The Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Jearlean John, has confirmed that there is no backlog of cargo at the Port of Port of Spain or at the Port of Scarborough, Tobago.
On Monday morning, the Minister visited the Port of Port of Spain and engaged directly with senior executives, including the General Manager/CEO, Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, President (Ag) National Infrastructure Development Company Limited, and operational teams to assess cargo handling performance, vessel turnaround times and storage capacity.
The Minister noted with concern the inaccurate narrative being circulated regarding the operations of the inter-island sea bridge, emphasising that the on-site review confirmed the key facts:
- There is currently no cargo backlog in Trinidad or Tobago.
- The Blue Wave Harmony, which has 1,925 lane metres of cargo has the capacity to serve the needs of the country, with supplemental capacity being provided by passenger vessels which can accommodate up to 7000 Kgs cargo vehicles.
- Since the commencement of sailings of the Blue Wave Harmony, no cargo has remained at the ports in Trinidad or Tobago awaiting transportation, and all cargo presented for shipment has been cleared for sailing
The Minister further reiterated that the Blue Wave Harmony is currently in its sea-trial phase. This forms part of a controlled operational roll-out aligned with internationally recognised maritime safety standards governing vessel certification, pilotage and overall operational readiness across the global shipping industry. Upon completion of the sea trials, the vessel is expected to enter its commercial phase on March 1st, 2026.
The efficient movement of cargo between Trinidad and Tobago remains a critical national priority, as it directly supports commerce, strengthens supply chain stability and ensures the timely delivery of goods to businesses and citizens. As such, Minister John will continue to take a hands-on, on-the-ground approach to ensure sustained operational efficiency and a reliable inter-island cargo service.
