The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company has advised that the MV Cabo Star’s schedule will be adjusted to facilitate the cruise ship season.
The cruise ship season began in November and will run through to April 2024.
The Cruise Ship Complex in Port of Spain and Port of Scarborough are expected to welcome a number of cruise ships bringing tens of thousands of visitors.
The Cabo Star is allowed to dock at the Cruise Ship Complex, but with 17 cruise ship arrivals to Port of Spain in December, the cargo vessel would have to anchor elsewhere.
TTIIT CEO Vilma Lewis-Cockburn, said the authorities will work closely with Tobago’s business community to come up with workable solutions to ensure there is no major shortage of food and other important supplies on the island.
She assures that the transportation of cargo will not be drastically affected since the Galleons Passage ferry is capable of filling the gap if the need arises. She said there will also be additional sailings of the Galleons Passage to cushion any impact.
Demi John Cruickshank, head of the Tobago arm of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said the chamber was made aware of the situation prior to the cruise season.
“We know it would have some interruptions especially in December as we have about 17 days where the ship would be in the harbour. We have been trying to stock up as much as we can. We’re hoping the days that the vessel do sail, we would pull as much goods to Tobago within that space of time.”