A judge ruled late last week that they must finish the factory first and then discuss the deal further. Air Products disagrees and closed its gates to employees on Monday. Ballast Nedam has since asked for employees to be allowed access again, but the main contractor refuses.
Officially, there are no further construction delays, Gasunie says. “Work still stopped between Christmas and New Years,” says Gregoire. According to Gasunie there are therefore no consequences on the energy situation. ‘No, this has no consequences and certainly not for gas extraction in the Groningen field,’ Gregoire assures. «But the factory has an important function for the future. If Ballast Nedam leaves, Air Products will need to find new hands as quickly as possible. Full responsibility falls on the main contractor.’
