National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NEC) has been mandated by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to construct a new industrial port at Galeota.

The project is located at Guayaguayare Bay and entails the construction of:

• An energy port at the Galeota Peninsula with eight (8) hectares of storage

• A new public road access for the port 1.2 km long

• A fish landing facility equipped with fish storage and amenities for the fishing community

The Port will feature:

• A 529 m quay wall comprising 5 berths, 40 fenders, 6 ladders and 44 bollards

• A navigational channel 80 m wide and 7.6 m deep

• A 200 m turning basin of depth 7.6 m

• 8 hectares storage area comprising approximately 5 hecares of existing and 3 hectares of reclaimed land

What are the benefits of the project?

The development of Port Galeota will support the expansion of exploration and production of oil and gas, thereby contributing to the generation of revenue for the country. Business opportunities will be created in support services resulting in direct and indirect employment. Construction of the Fish Landing Facility will also boost the fishing industry in the southeastern peninsula and environs.

The communities of Guayaguayare and environs will benefit from employment during construction and operations.  The project is expected to employ 60 persons at the peak of construction and will create 20 permanent jobs and over 200 jobs for stevedoring, materials handling and other support services.

What measures will be taken to mitigate impact on the environment?

NEC has established a Shoreline Monitoring and Management Plan (SMMP) that comprises three components:

• A shoreline monitoring plan that will determine any short term and long term changes occurring to the beach as a result of the construction and operation of the port facilities.

• A mitigation plan that will facilitate the selection of appropriate mitigation strategies, which will be determined after analysis of monitoring data and consultation with stakeholders.

• A Stakeholder Engagement Plan to facilitate consultation with affected stakeholders on an ongoing basis.

Monitoring will be conducted during all stages of the project, i.e. during pre-construction, construction and operations.  The SMMP will include monitoring of shoreline change, sediment characteristics, bathymetric changes; wave, current and tidal changes; meteorological conditions.  Aerial and land-based photography, site inspection, surveying and modeling technology will be used to monitor the shoreline along the coastline in the Guayaguayare Bay area.  If any changes in the shoreline conditions occur as a result of the project, appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended for review and approval by the EMA and relevant stakeholders, prior to implementation.  Monitoring of the shoreline will take place for a period of five (5) years after completion of the project.

Safety during the Operations Phase

NEC is committed to the prevention of injuries and loss of life of the public and our employees.  We therefore adhere to the strictest standards of safety and security in our operations.  NEC has over thirty (30) years of experience in operating marine facilities including multi-user piers that handle petrochemicals and steel products.  

Port and fish landing operations will be guided by the conditions set out in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2004 (Amended 2006).  Port Galeota will be certified in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).  

Buoys and navigation aids will be utilized to mark the channel and turning basin to prevent collision of vessels within the harbour.  The port will also be outfitted with bollards and fenders for the protection of berthing vessels.

For the security of employees, contractors and port users, adequate lighting, fencing and camera surveillance equipment will also be installed at the port and fish landing facility. These facilities will also feature modern fire prevention systems.