Sinanan: Galicia cost millions in damage to Hyatt waterfront

In a telephone interview with Newsday, Sinanan said the costs of keeping the Galicia far outweighed its use.

He said the damages incurred from the mooring the vessel at the waterfront were among the reasons considered for its removal from service.

“We are looking at all the options we have available to us at this time. From what we’ve seen thus far it’s clear that it cannot remain as Trinidad and Tobago’s major cargo vessel. “The vessel was originally supposed to be berthed at Queen’s Wharf but Hyatt gave the owners of the Galicia up until the end of 2014 to keep the vessel moored at its waterfront and to this day it’s still being used by the vessel,” he said.

He also noted that loading the Galicia at the Hyatt’s waterfront often resulted in traffic congestion along Wrightson Road.

He said while cutting cost was an important factor in withdrawing the Galicia, he said it was also important to secure an appropriate replacement in the long-term.

“We’re reviewing all the options at our disposal. The cargo vessel is very important to both Trinidad and Tobago, more so to Tobago,” he said.

He also said he understood the concerns of the Tobago Chamber of Commerce of a barge replacing the Galicia when it is taken off the sea bridge roster on April 21.

“I too have my concerns about the barge, but a barge is just an option and it is really my last option,” he admitted.

He said the barge will be operational and it was the choice of Tobago businessmen to put cargo on it or not.