Freeport, Grand Bahama Island – VOPAK TERMINAL BAHAMAS is in the final stages of demolishing and removing aged facilities at its plant, and announces plans to demolish three of its steel distillation columns in preparation for the erection of additional storage tanks and other equipment.

VOPAK Bahamas Terminal plans call for the exercise to take place on Saturday November 15, 2008 between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm using two (2) controlled blasts, to fall the three steel columns that have been a part of the Grand Bahama landmark for almost 40 years. The exercise will not involve any of the taller stacks.

VOPAK assures its partners in the industry park, the communities surrounding its facility, and the general public of its commitment to their safety as plans are carried out to dismantle and removed the old equipment from the site.

The Cleveland Wrecking Company, a highly successful contractor in the USA, has been contracted to perform the demolition. The plans for this work have all been reviewed and final approvals granted by the relevant authorities for the work to proceed.

VOPAK’S neighbours and industry partners, and indeed the community, should not expect to be inconvenienced or discomforted by this exercise. The two controlled blasts will be above ground and would not create any extended underground vibrations; the impact area where the columns will fall will be padded, water soaked, and protected to prevent any sound more than a ‘thud’ and with a minimum plume of dust. The entire exercise will last less than 5 minutes.
VOPAK has met with the relevant Local Government authorities in the area and has also held a Town Meeting with resident to update and assure them that their safety, health and welfare, and that of those persons working within its facility and in the industrial park are of the highest priorities.