French-owned multinational integrated oil and gas company, TOTAL has revealed major plans in store for Fiji operations.

Total (Fiji) Limited new managing director, Martin McCarthy, said they are looking to develop, brand and implement more systems to reduce risks and many more in Fiji.

“We want to work on expanding the Walu Bay Depot. We need to look at improving the access for deliveries to the terminals from the Kings Wharf (Port of Suva),” Mr McCarthy said.

“In Vuda, we’re also looking at upgrading the safety and security of our installation as you know, a fuel depot is an area where we store thousands of tonnes of high explosives- so they have to be safe.”

Mr McCarthy said other projects include fund retention to ensure that in any case of any possible accidental spillage that it’s contained and there’s no damage to the environment.

“We’re installing gauging systems and fuel measurement systems to make sure….can control the stocks properly.

“And in all of our tanks, in all of our petrol tanks and jet tanks we will be putting in (internal) floating roofs which minimise or cut down the amount of evaporation that happens.

“So not only does it conserve fuel but you have less emissions going into the atmosphere.”

Mr McCarthy said these were an indication of their commitment to the oil industry in the Fijian market.

The installation and work on its expansion had already started and is expected to complete next year.

The company is also in talks with its retailers and distributors on branding more service stations like that of its flagship TOTAL Laucala Beach Service Station, which opened in July.

About Mr McCarthy

Mr McCarthy has extensive experience in the oil industry in many parts of the world. He has been with a series of TOTAL affiliates. This includes TOTAL Cambodia, in Paris, Pakistan and Africa.

“I am here to get our infrastructure a little bit more organised,” he added.

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