00:00The Chamber of Industry and Commerce says cargo delays on the seabridge are creating serious challenges for businesses operating between
00:07Trinidad and Tobago.
00:09Feedback from its members revealed what was once a predictable one-day supply cycle has now stretched to two or
00:16even three days.
00:17According to the Chamber, under the current schedule, cargo loaded in Porta Spain during the morning does not sail until
00:24about 11 p.m., arriving in Tobago at 6 a.m. the following day.
00:29When return trips are factored in, trucks can be tied up for as long as 48 to 52 hours.
00:35The Chamber says sailing frequency has reportedly dropped from about five sailings per week to three, further slowing the movement
00:43of goods.
00:44Truckers, the Chamber says, are left waiting at the port of Porta Spain for up to 12 hours before departure
00:50without structured rest facilities.
00:52For refrigerated cargo, operators must keep generators running during extended waits, increasing fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
01:02The business group warns that these delays are affecting inventory management, fleet productivity and operating expenses.
01:10Distributors are being forced to carry higher stock levels, tying up weak capital while immobilized trucks reduce fleet efficiency.
01:18Perishable goods are also at a greater risk of spoilage during longer transit and waiting periods.
01:24The Chamber says the impact could ultimately be felt by consumers in Tobago through higher prices and inconsistent supply.
01:32It is calling for urgent discussions involving the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Port Authority, freight operators and affected
01:40businesses to review sailing frequency, cargo allocation, refrigerated cargo handling and port logistics.
01:47The Chamber stresses that efficient cargo movement between the islands is critical to economic stability and supply reliability.
01:56Aksha Galston, TV6 News.
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