Cascadura Boost: Massive Compressor Move Signals New Era for T&T Gas

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – May 12, 2026 – The recent arrival of a colossal compressor package for the Cascadura natural gas facility represents more than just a logistical triumph; it marks a pivotal step in bolstering Trinidad and Tobago's energy security and economic future. The successful transportation of the multi-part, 3,750-horsepower unit from Houston, Texas, to the rural plains of Poole, Rio Claro, is a tangible sign of progress for one of the nation's most significant onshore energy developments in decades.

Managed by Ramps Logistics Ltd., the operation involved moving critical components for Touchstone Exploration Trinidad Limited’s Cascadura Project. The equipment is central to the next phase of the field's development, designed to increase domestic gas production, enhance operational stability, and secure the long-term viability of the vital natural gas field.

A Logistical Masterpiece

The sheer scale of the operation underscores the complexity involved in modern energy infrastructure projects. The shipment included oversized units of considerable scale, with the heaviest piece weighing over 57 tons. Some components measured more than 50 feet in length and stood over 15 feet tall, with widths that demanded specialist transport arrangements and meticulous planning.

The journey was a multi-stage logistical ballet. It began with cargo collection and permitting in Houston, followed by ocean freight to Trinidad’s Port of Point Lisas. Once on the island, the real challenge began. Ramps Logistics orchestrated a complex inland transfer that required detailed route surveys, lift planning, and tight coordination with local police to manage traffic for a convoy that, at times, occupied multiple lanes of traffic.

“This is a major step forward for the Cascadura Project and a visible sign of continued investment in Rio Claro and South East Trinidad,” said Shaun Rampersad, CEO of Ramps Logistics Ltd., in a statement. “It reflects the scale of execution required to move critical energy development forward in Trinidad and Tobago.”

The successful delivery was a testament to the detailed planning and collaboration between all parties, showcasing the specialized capabilities necessary to support the region's energy sector.

Powering a Nation's Energy Ambitions

The arrival of the compressor is strategically crucial for both Touchstone Exploration and Trinidad and Tobago. The Cascadura field, located within the Ortoire block, is a cornerstone of the nation’s effort to reverse a trend of declining natural gas production. For years, the country has faced challenges in meeting domestic demand and maintaining its status as a major global exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), ammonia, and methanol—industries that form the bedrock of its economy.

The energy sector accounts for nearly 80% of Trinidad and Tobago's export revenues and a significant portion of its GDP. The new compressor is expected to provide an immediate and substantial boost. Once commissioned in the coming weeks, it is projected to nearly double the facility's output from 10 million to 20 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d). This will be achieved by lowering pressure at the wellhead, allowing gas to flow more freely into the National Gas Company (NGC)-operated pipeline that feeds the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

This enhancement will not only increase production rates but also improve operating stability across the network, mitigating pressure issues that have previously constrained output. For Touchstone, which transitioned to a majority natural gas producer with Cascadura's launch in late 2023, this investment solidifies a predictable cashflow stream for future development.

A Partnership for Progress

The project’s success highlights a model of effective public-private partnership. The seamless coordination involved Ramps Logistics, Touchstone Exploration, the Port of Point Lisas Development Company (PLIPDECO), and shipping agent UAL Trinidad. The national importance of the venture was underscored by the presence of The Honourable Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, who visited the port to witness the offloading of the cargo.

Minister Moonilal described the equipment as a key expansion initiative for the country’s energy sector, noting that it is part of a broader government push to strengthen output and reliability. The investment signals a turnaround in the industry, reflecting renewed confidence and momentum in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy landscape.

This collaborative effort ensures that the benefits of the Cascadura project extend beyond corporate balance sheets, contributing directly to the nation's energy independence and economic resilience. The project's full design capacity stands at a formidable 200 MMcf/d and 5,000 barrels per day of associated liquids, pointing to a long and productive future.

Balancing Development and Community

While the Cascadura project is hailed as a national success, its development has not been without local friction. In the months leading up to the compressor's arrival, residents in the Rio Claro area, organized under the Rio Claro Unemployment Association, held protests. They raised concerns over deforestation linked to the project's development and what they described as unfulfilled promises of local employment opportunities.

These concerns have been acknowledged by government officials. In response to the environmental impact, the Ministry of Agriculture announced a major rehabilitation program named Releaf TT. The initiative aims to reforest over 100 hectares of land and plant more than 236,000 trees, a project that is also expected to create over 150 jobs through the Forestry Division. Officials have stated that all legal requirements under the project's Certificate of Environmental Clearance were met.

With the compressor now on site, installation and commissioning are targeted for completion by the end of May 2026, with the enhanced production expected to come on stream by June. As the Cascadura field enters its next operational phase, it stands as a powerful symbol of industrial progress, national ambition, and the ongoing dialogue between development and community in Trinidad and Tobago.