A more efficient, cleaner ferry service.

That’s what Commissioners of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago promised when they met the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on Monday at the Administrative Complex in Calder Hall.

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the T&T Inter-Island Transportation Co Ltd Leon Grant said passengers on the sea bridge between Trinidad and Tobago will enjoy an improved service with the return of the fast ferry, the T&T Spirit on Friday (July 1).

The T&T Spirit is currently drydocked in Trinidad for scheduled maintenance. New seats and carpets are being installed in public areas of the vessel, while in other areas, the carpet is being cleaned.

The other inter-island ferry, the T&T Express, underwent similar refurbishment 18 months ago.

Grant said the authority is aware of the condition of the cabins in all its vessels and will implement a robust cleanliness and maintenance programme to meet international standards.

He said the authority is committed to maintaining an efficient service, especially when greater emphasis is now being placed on domestic tourism.

He said the authority had invited tenders for a roll on/roll off passenger and cargo ferry to replace the Super Fast Galicia but was unsuccessful. The lease on the Galicia will be extended by 18 months.

The current lease on the cargo vessel Warrior Spirit will not be renewed when it expires at the end of August, but Grant said consideration is being given to replacing that vessel.

Deputy Chairman Michael Patterson said this is the first meeting the newly-appointed commissioners had with the Assembly. Following the meeting, they visited the Scarborough Port.

The Assembly’s team  was led by Chief Secretary Orville London and included Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine and Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities Councillor Gary Melville.

Patterson said the Chief Secretary raised a number of infrastructural issues affecting operations at the Scarborough Port and the ferry service. This includes berthing by tourist vessels at the Port and the transportation of cargo in containers not belonging to the Port Authority.