The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago says it has secured a new roll-on/roll-off passenger and cargo vessel, the MV Blue Wave Harmony, to replace the MV Cabo Star when its lease expires on January 12, 2026.
The vessel is expected to arrive in Trinidad around January 18, subject to weather conditions and the completion of regulatory and operational clearances.
According to the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO), the acquisition followed a managed procurement process aimed at improving operational compatibility at the ports in Port of Spain and Scarborough, while increasing cargo capacity, passenger comfort, safety and reliability.
NIDCO said the Blue Wave Harmony represents a significant upgrade, with four main engines to improve redundancy and reduce service disruptions, as well as heavier-duty loading ramps to accommodate bulk and specialised cargo. The vessel can carry about 125 freight units, compared with roughly 90 trailers on the Cabo Star, and includes 31 fixed refrigerated sockets for temperature-sensitive goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.
Passenger amenities include 73 cabins with beds and bathrooms, a 142-seat self-service restaurant, lounge and entertainment areas, and improved accessibility features, including a passenger lift.
In the interim, the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Limited has implemented contingency arrangements using existing vessels, including the A.P.T. James, T&T Spirit and Galleons Passage, to ensure the continued movement of essential cargo between Trinidad and Tobago.
NIDCO said the vessel is certified to transport dangerous and specialised cargo and will not require scheduled dry-docking in 2026, allowing for uninterrupted operations. It added that the upgraded facilities are expected to create opportunities for local employment and service providers.
Chief secretary and Tobago Peoples Party leader, Farley Augustine, also made the announcement during a political meeting in Bethesda / Les Coteaux last night.
