Cargo Barge Steps In As Sea Bridge Repairs Continue
In the absence of a cargo vessel due to damage sustained by the Blue Wave Harmony and mechanical challenges affecting the T&T Spirit, measures have been put in place to bring relief to the sea bridge.
During a Post Executive Media Briefing on Thursday, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine provided updates conveyed by Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John.
Citing information from the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited, Mr. Augustine confirmed that welding works have begun on the damaged hull of the Blue Wave Harmony.
« The final welding works commenced today, the 5th of February, and the contractor has advised that based on the scope of works, a total of four full days of welding is required, so upon completion of works, another inspection has to be undertaken, and NIDCO expects the Blue Wave Harmony to be in full operation by latest Wednesday next week. »
In the interim, a barge will be used to transport cargo while repairs continue on the vessel. The Blue Wave Harmony, which was damaged while docking at the Port of Scarborough on January 30th, returned to Trinidad on Tuesday.
‘The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has engaged the services of a 67-metre barge for a period of 10 days. The barge will commence operation on Friday 6th, meaning tomorrow. This barge will commence operation as part of the interim measure to ensure that the goods that are required can come to the island. »
Mr. Augustine said cargo transport via the barge will be facilitated through an appointment-based system.
« The movement of the cargo by the barge will be managed by an appointment-based booking system, which is not unusual but similar to what was utilised when the boats went on dry dock last year. Now the barge will accommodate approximately 30 trucks at a time. »
With respect to the inter-island ferry service, Mr. Augustine also indicated that NIDCO has advised that the Buccoo Reef will be reintroduced from Monday.
« The Buccoo Reef accommodates approximately 948 passengers and 160 vehicles. The vessels that are currently in service are as follows: the APT James currently is doing two sailings per day, as in one round trip, and that has a capacity of 900 passengers, 150 vehicles. The Galleons Passage: currently undertaking two sailings per day and that has a capacity for 20 cars, 20 vans, and 10 trucks. »
The Chief Secretary emphasised that the Tobago House of Assembly continues to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure issues affecting the sea bridge are resolved in the shortest possible time.
