Port Hamilton Seeks Emergency Court Order to Block Scaffolding Removal from St. Croix Refinery

Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation requests a temporary restraining order against National Industrial Services, claiming unauthorized removal of millions in scaffolding materials

On Wednesday, Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation filed suit against National Industrial Services, seeking a temporary restraining order and ultimately a permanent injunction against the removal of scaffolding and related equipment from Port Hamilton Refinery or Ocean Point Terminals facilities. It is also seeking the return of, or compensation for, all such material and equipment that has already been removed.

In its lawsuit, Port Hamilton says that it has long been the practice at the refinery, stretching all the way back to the days of Hess Oil ownership, to contract with a third party for scaffolding services. In the beginning, this would necessitate a costly and time-consuming process when switching suppliers; the old contractor would have to pack up and ship literal tons of scaffolding and equipment off-island, and the new contractor would have to bring in their own materials.