Tug problems in the Federation
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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St. Kitts' Tug grounded for repairs
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Basseterre, St. Kitts: The general public, more specifically tourism stakeholders, have expressed concerns about the absence of a tug service in the port of Basseterre, citing that it can have serious implications on the Federation’s “bread and butter” industry.
The tug, which is used to assist cruise and other vessels in the birthing process, has been described by many as “an essential” at most ports as it aids safe and controlled berthing in windy conditions.
SKNVibes understands that since the early part of this year, St. Kitts’ tug has been out of commission because it required topside repairs. During that time vessels docking at the deep water port and at Port Zante have done so without the assistance of the tug.
In October, however, the assistance of Jean Pierre Porry of Martinique was sought and for about two months, he, with the use of his tug provided assistance with the berthing of vessels which made calls to St. Kitts’ ports.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Porry is owed some EC$66,000 and they also suggest that he withdrew his services because of the “lack of an agreement”. ~~Adz:Right~~
Sources close to SKNVibes also explained that, as recently as Sunday, the MV Explorer of the Seas docked at our shores an hour late because of the very high winds, which, without the assistance of a tug, would have made the berthing process very difficult and even more dangerous than usual.
SKNVibes tried to contact Manager of the Sea Port, Roosevelt Trotman but was unable to source comments on the matter.
Attempts were also made to contact Minister of Tourism, Richard “Ricky” Skerritt but SKNVibes was told that he was at a Cabinet meeting.
