Swaziland makes Move Toward Energy Independence
Supply Services of Swaziland (S3) has entered into an arrangement with American Tank & Vessel to promote energy independence by building a strategic petroleum reserve for Swaziland.
This project is the first step in a larger economic development program designed to encourage investment in several key industries including: telecommunications, healthcare, infrastructure, education, agricultural processing, and others.
Swaziland’s Petroleum Reserve is strategically located in Phuzomoya, at the junction of several roads and rail lines. The groundbreaking ceremony for the 90-million liter storage facility is set to take place later this month.
To get the project rolling, Swaziland’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MRNE) contracted American Tank & Vessel with a feasibility study for a strategic fuel reserve. As the project progressed, Ernesto Vivian “Mickey” Figueiredo created S3 as a public-private venture to manage the project and the subsequent fuel supply contracts for a period of 20 years.
Figueiredo has relationships in Africa and in the US, specifically Texas, which have been instrumental in facilitating this deal.
“Energy independence provides a critical foundation for future development projects like new schools and hospitals – and it also plays a key role in the completion of our national airport, which will serve as a cargo hub for much of South Africa,” said Figueiredo. “Words cannot express how proud I am to have played a role in the development of this important project for our nation.”
“AT&V is proud of our track record in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the last twenty years we have built bulk storage tanks and terminals in Equatorial Guinea, throughout Ghana, and Angola.
Each project was completed on time and within budget,” said W.T. Cutts, VP and director of American Tank & Vessel. “We are excited about the opportunity this investment will bring to Swaziland and it also serves as a launching point for our company in the southern Africa region.”