Process to source new vessel ongoing : Sinanan over replacing ‘Cabo Star’
MINISTER of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan says the process to source a vessel to replace the Cabo Star is still ongoing.
This follows concerns raised about the progress of commissioning of a cargo vessel by Martin George, president of the Tobago Business Chamber, during a telephone interview with the Express yesterday.
“The minister promised when last we spoke to him (last year), he is going to commission the construction of a new cargo vessel. We have not heard anything further. We would like to use the forum to call upon him to give us the details of when that vessel is going to be built; when it is going to be put into service,” George said.
In response to questions by the Express, Sinanan noted that “the Government is in the process of procuring another vessel. Obviously when that vessel comes in, that vessel will replace the one that we have (Cabo Star), because that will be a built vessel to replace the one that we are leasing right now”.
“Well, the process is ongoing right now. So, the process is actually by the National Infrastructure Development Company (Nidco). Nidco is the procurement agency that works for the Ministry of Works and Nidco is in the process of sourcing that vessel to be built,” Sinanan affirmed.
Asked how far along that process is, Sinanan replied: “I don’t have a date, but I know very soon Nidco will be in a position to put the ad out for that vessel. They have to do all the groundwork before, because a vessel is not something you can just buy, just like that; it is a process to go through.” Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd (TTITC) stated in a news release that the APT James with be withdrawn from service from January 24 to February 7 and the Buccoo Reef withdrawn from service from February 7 to February 21.
In the past when vessels went into dry dock, people had concerns about sea bridge disruptions.
George acknowledged the vessels must go for routine service and maintenance. He said, however, if it is done one at a time, we would still need backup capacity in the inter-island ferry run.
“We hear talk of ferry service for up the islands in the Caribbean. The point is, we are happy for this type of service—but remember, charity begins at home…(While) servicing the Caribbean and other islands…you are not even taking care of your own twin-island republic, Trinidad and Tobago, in terms of an efficient and reliable inter-island ferry service and cargo service,” George said.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced that this country will participate in a regional ferry service with Guyana and Barbados, utilising the Galleons Passage.
BY: MELISSA MAYNARD
Process to source new vessel ongoing : Sinanan over replacing ‘Cabo Star’
