Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, October 2018 – Bridgemans Services Group (BSG) is pleased to announce that the company’s cargo ferry, MV Cabo Star, has completed scheduled drydock maintenance and upgrading work and has resumed service between Trinidad and Tobago under the terms of a renewed one-year agreement with the island nation’s Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT).
The extensive work was undertaken and completed locally by Caribbean Dockyard and Engineering Services Limited at its facility in Chaguaramas, with the bulk of mechanical and engineering work aimed at improving speed and performance of the 158-metre vessel, including major engine overhauls and the application of antifoul paint to the underwater hull. Other extensive measures were undertaken to enhance passenger safety and comfort, including improvements to fire safety features, installation of additional life-saving equipment and an onboard CCTV system, as well as upgrades to the passenger lounges.
“At the time our initial service agreement began with MOWT, we publicly committed to improving sailing times and to providing additional comfort and safety for passengers,” said BSG president, Brian Grange. “Even though this work represents the fulfillment of that commitment, we will continue to look for opportunities to further optimize the service we provide to the people and to the business communities of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Built in 1988, the Cabo Star was acquired by Bridgemans Services Group in early 2017. Under the terms of a one-year contract, it began service between Port of Spain and Scarborough in July 2017. Since then the vessel has completed over 700 incident-free sailings between the two ports.
Cabo Star is a ROPAX ferry with 2,500 lane-meters and capacity for 130 passengers. A total of 12 sleeper cabins with private washrooms are available for drivers during sailing. Passenger common area facilities include seating lounges with wide-screen televisions, food and beverage cafeteria with dining area, public restrooms and fitness facility.