Following a public bidding
process by invitation in which some 14 contractors participated, Talisien Construction
NV has been selected as main contractor for the renovation works of the Cargo Building
of the Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM. The selection was based on the
contractor’s price, experience, and good reputation in big construction works.
After contract negotiations with SXM Airport, which was assisted by its legal
representative, Lexwell, and with the Supervisory Board of Directors’ approval, the
multi-million dollar agreement was signed between Talisien Construction NV and PJIAE
NV to commence the construction works for the renovation of the Cargo Building.
The other three agreements, including, Project Management and Supervision,
and Steel Structure will be signed shortly. Regina LaBega, SXM Airport managing
director and Carl Critchlow, managing director of Talisien Construction NV signed on
behalf of their respective companies. The total cost of all the contracts is about US$3.5
million.
According to LaBega, the renovation of the Cargo Building is necessary given
the importance of positioning SXM Airport as a cargo hub for the sub-region.
“Of course, we cannot emphasize enough the important role cargo plays for
SXM Airport and our core partners, the airlines,” she added.
Groundbreaking for the Cargo Building renovation works is expected to take
place this month, and estimated to be completed by March 2016. The construction will be
executed in two phases in order to allow the Cargo Operators to remain operational.
Temporary offices will be constructed to accommodate the cargo handlers during the
construction period.
photograph. L-R: Max Schakel of SXM Airport, Carl Critchlow of Talisien Construction NV,
Regina LaBega, SXM Managing Director, and Robert Brown, SXM Special Projects coordinator.
(SXM photo)
Regina LaBega, SXM Airport managing director ready to sign the contract agreement for the
renovation works of the Cargo Building. (SXM photo)
The Cargo Building has been in need of renovations and improvement for a
long time, and is part of the Capital Improvement Program that SXM Airport embarked
upon at the beginning of 2013, after securing the funds on the international financial
market in December 2012. Cargo and mail movements at SXM Airport have been
steadily increasing over the last five years, going from 1,983 tonnes in 2009 to 3,010
tonnes in 2013, a jump of about 52%.
The steel structure of the new Cargo Building will be manufactured in the
Netherlands by known steel structure manufacturer, Van Sluisveld. The existing steel structure is still in top shape, and will remain. However, another steel structure will be
added in order to add a new floor, and create eight additional office spaces, and a canteen.
The renovations of the Cargo Building will include the re-organization of office
spaces, more cargo storage, and parking areas. It will also involve the upgrading and
expansion of the restrooms, the addition of a new floor, offices, and a canteen, and will
also have to comply with Fire Department Regulations.