00:00The MV Golden Carrier is set to become the latest addition to Trinidad and Tobago's inter-island
00:06cargo seabridge. In a response to questions from TV6, the National Infrastructure Development
00:12Company Ltd. NIDCO confirmed that the vessel will replace the MV Blue Wave Harmony, which
00:18has been taken out of service for scheduled maintenance and upgrades. The Blue Wave Harmony
00:24was chartered in December 2025 under a one-year agreement, with an initial six-month term
00:30and an option to extend for another six months. However, at the six-month point, the vessel's
00:36owner exercised his right under the charter agreement to substitute the ship with another
00:41vessel. NIDCO says the replacement will be carried out under the existing contract, meaning there
00:47will be no increase in charter costs to the government. The Golden Carrier offers a cargo
00:53capacity comparable to the Blue Wave Harmony, with a slightly higher lane-meter capacity
00:58and additional accommodation for passengers. It can carry up to 399 passengers, compared with
01:06280 on its predecessor, and also provides more booths and expanded onboard amenities, including
01:14a larger cafeteria and bar. Officials say the vessel meets all operational requirements for
01:20the cargo sea bridge, including the transport of refrigerated and dangerous cargo. The Golden
01:26Carrier is scheduled to begin loaded sea trials on Sunday, July 26, before entering commercial
01:32service. The Port Authority is expected to announce the vessel's sailing schedule in the coming days.
01:38The cargo sea bridge is a critical link between Trinidad and Tobago, transporting commercial goods and
01:44essential supplies to Tobago. Officials say the vessel's swap is intended to ensure uninterrupted service,
01:51while the Blue Wave Harmony undergoes maintenance.
01:54Arvashi Tawari, Rupnarain, TV6 News.
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