The National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) advises the public that a new roll-on/roll-off passenger and cargo vessel, the MV Blue Wave Harmony, has been secured to replace the MV Cabo Star upon the expiry of its lease. The Blue Wave Harmony is expected to arrive tentatively in Trinidad on 18th January 2026 weather conditions permitting.
The securing of the MV Blue Wave Harmony follows a deliberate and carefully managed procurement process, to ensure improved operational compatibility at both the Port of Port of Spain and the Port of Scarborough, whilst also delivering enhanced cargo capacity, passenger comfort, operational safety, reliability, and reduced transit times. The vessel also allows hauliers, truckers, and users transporting heavier cargo to benefit from improved onboard passenger comfort comparable to that of the passenger ferry service.
A More Capable and Reliable Vessel
The MV Blue Wave Harmony represents a substantial enhancement over the previous vessel, with key attributes including:
No scheduled dry-docking in 2026, allowing for uninterrupted operations throughout the year.
Improved operational reliability, with four main engines providing increased redundancy, reduced risk of service disruption, and improved travel times;
Enhanced Passenger Amenities
In response to feedback from Tobagonians and ferry users, the MV Blue Wave Harmony also delivers significantly improved passenger facilities, including:
о Seventy-three (73) passenger cabins, each equipped with beds and bathrooms;
о A 142-seat self-service restaurant, lounge, and entertainment areas;
о Improved accessibility features, including a passenger lift.
– Increased cargo capacity, accommodating approximately 125 freight units, compared to about 90 trailers on the Cabo Star, enabling more consistent and reliable cargo movement;
– Enhanced refrigerated cargo capability, with 31 fixed reefer sockets, supporting the transport of temperature-sensitive goods such as food and pharmaceuticals;
– Heavier-duty loading ramps, including internal tiltable ramps, allowing for the safe carriage of heavy equipment, bulk cargo, and specialized loads;
– Enhanced vessel stability and seakeeping, as a longer and wider European-class vessel, supporting safer loading operations and smoother crossings;
– Certified capability to transport dangerous and specialized cargo, supported by appropriate ventilation and safety systems;
– No scheduled dry-docking in 2026, allowing for uninterrupted operations throughout the year.
Increased Local Content and Economic Participation
While the vessel will be operated by its owners, the upgraded onboard facilities and expanded service offerings will create opportunities for local employment, including the engagement of local concessionaires and service providers, thereby increasing local content and economic participation.
Revitalizing the Inter-Island Ferry Service
The introduction of the MV Blue Wave Harmony forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to revitalize the inter-island ferry service. This includes improved coordination and integration between NIDCO and the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, with enhanced oversight by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. The focus of these reforms is to increase vessel availability, reliability, and overall service efficiency.
These improvements are already underway. The APT James has successfully completed its five- year dry-docking and is expected to return to service shortly, while the MV Buccoo Reef is scheduled to undergo similar dry-docking in January, 2026. Together with the reintroduction of the T&T Spirit and the continued operation of the MV Galleons Passage, these initiatives significantly strengthen the capacity, reliability, and resilience of the inter-island sea bridge.
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains firmly committed to revitalizing the inter-island ferry service not only as a means of connectivity, but as a critical enabler of economic and commercial activity, food security, and social wellbeing for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.