WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao refinery is on track to commence asphalt production in a designated section at the end of May, according to Harry Sargeant III, CEO and founder of Global Oil Management Group LLC (GOMG). During a press conference at Fort Nassau, attended by Matthew Addington, President of International Affairs, Sargeant confirmed that the operational start aligns with the previously communicated schedule for May 2024. 

Despite some delays in preparations, attributed by Sargeant to the significance of Christmas and New Year in Curaçao, the commissioning remains in line with the established timeline. 

Crucial to asphalt production is the supply of crude oil, with GOMG planning to source it from Venezuela, among other locations. Sargeant emphasized that this is authorized under General License 44 from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the recent US sanctions against Venezuela have no impact on this arrangement. However, Sargeant acknowledged the potential influence of changing geopolitical circumstances. 

In a proactive approach, Sargeant highlighted that GOMG is not exclusively reliant on Venezuelan crude oil, stating, "Although that oil is ideal for asphalt production." While he disclosed having alternative plans, specific details were not divulged at this juncture. 

Last June, GOMG inked a contract, initially spanning five years, with Refineria di Kòrsou (RdK), the government-owned entity responsible for the refinery's premises and surrounding areas. 

Preparations, including maintenance and repair work on the long-idle refinery, have been underway since then. Sargeant stressed the importance of ensuring a safe startup of the installations for both employees and the environment, citing the need for corrective measures due to the less-than-optimal shutdown in the past.