Army boats for sea bridge?

The military transport vessels were purchased from Dutch firm Damen by the previous administration.

Sinanan made this known at the post-Cabinet news briefing yesterday. Also speaking at the briefing, acting Prime Minister Colm Imbert said if this option is agreed on, the army vessels would be manned and operated by military personnel. But Imbert hastened to add, “It is one of several options.” Sinanan said Cabinet approved the purchase of a new inter-island ferry so as to prevent a repeat of the current uncertainty around the Galicia which is being withdrawn from service at just 14 days notice. He said Cabinet is now drawing up the specifications for such a vessel.

Sinanan gave an overview since the Government on March 30 had received a letter from the charterers announcing the Galicia would be pulled out from TT on April 14 (Easter Friday), a date since extended to April 18 by a follow-up letter.

He said the Port Authority and Ministry immediately drafted a tender document for Cabinet approval to to acquire a replacement vessel by purchase and/or a lease of three years.

“At this point in time we are looking at all the options to ensure there will be no shortfall in the transportation of cargo to and from Trinidad and Tobago.

We feel very confident that for the Easter weekend everything will be in place.

Subsequent to the Easter weekend and until a new ferry is located we have several options of contingency that will be in place.” Sinanan said one option is the TNT Spirit, a semi-cargo vessel that can convey 7,000 kilogrammes of vehicular cargo.

Another option is a barge to transport construction materials including sand, gravel and cement.

“We also have the use of two military vessels, that we are looking at the options of bringing them into service as and when required.” Former national security minister Gary Griffith, has welcomed the use of the two Damen vessels to service the sea bridge.

“This is an excellent idea by Government, a very proactive approach and thinking outside of the box,” Griffith said, adding the two vessels were originally acquired as a support to six Damen medium-range patrol vessels.

The two were to be used to send supplies so as to allow the six patrol vessels to remain at sea for extended periods.