With Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas industry poised for growth, the Port of Argentia is gearing up to provide some of the increased shore-based services that might be needed.
The board that operates the port has issued a request for proposals from companies who can do a study to determine whether it’s feasible to move ahead with a $50-million expansion to the docking facilities.
“If the industry is growing, there must be a role for Argentia in it because the advantages are so compelling,†said Port of Argentia general manager Chris Newhook.
Port to seek out partners
If the feasibility study, expected to be completed by next fall, finds there is merit in the strategy, the search for government and private partnerships will begin, said Newhook.
He said the expansion could be undertaken in phases, or “perhaps all at once.â€
“I can see Argentia playing a major role in the offshore industry,†added Town of Placentia Deputy Mayor Keith Pearson.
As expected, the town council is fully on board with this strategy.
“Everybody is looking for ways to diversify your economy within your community. And this would certainly do that for the Town of Placentia, and certainly help bring people back into the community, build our numbers, grow our tax base,†said Pearson.
“Argentia means everything for Placentia. Argentia is the driving force, the economic driving factor of the town.â€
Argentia has already demonstrated its value to oil companies. Husky’s massive West White Rose concrete gravity structure is under construction at Argentia.
“They’re having great success on the site. They’re able to capture the workforce that they need to carry out this activity, so that demonstrates this is a good logical place to consider for some of their future activities,†said Newhook.
Read the rest here: CBC
Photo: Port of Argentia
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