Tobago Correspondent
The MV Golden Carrier is being hailed as “one of the most superior” cargo boats in Trinidad and Tobago history.
The glowing endorsement came from Port Authority chairman Dr Rodney Ramroop as the vessel made its maiden voyage from Trinidad to Tobago during a sea trial yesterday.
The vessel arrived in Port-of-Spain on Saturday to replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony on the domestic seabridge.
The vessel left Port-of-Spain yesterday at 8.50 am without cargo and took approximately five hours and 20 minutes to arrive at the Scarborough Port.
During a video release on Sunday, Andre Caseman, assistant technical superintendent, Port Authority, congratulated Captain Nikolkos Vlachos on the voyage.
“From our experience, looking at how the vessel manoeuvred and berthed today, I must say it was quite good,” Caseman said.
Port officials said the vessel berthed smoothly and without incident when it arrived in Trinidad as well.
The Authority said onboard technical inspections were conducted to gauge the vessel’s readiness for loaded sea trials.
The Authority said commercial sailing will begin shortly and a sailing schedule will be released.
The MV Golden Carrier has been chartered for six months and will continue under the US$25,000-per-day agreement.
The owner of the Blue Wave decided to pull the vessel from the seabridge for maintenance and upgrades after six months.
The National Infrastructure Development Company (Nidco) had the option not to extend the deal for a further six months but chose to continue the service with a different vessel.
Nidco said the change of vessels comes at no additional expense and offers similar cargo capacity.
The MV Golden Carrier, built in 1986, can accommodate 240 passengers, 74 more than the Blue Wave.
It includes 70 cabins, three fewer than the Blue Wave, a nurse station, a gym for crew and a play area for children.
