SVG Port Authority releases statement on Cancellation of Cruise Call to Port Kingstown 

A January 2023 One News SVG photograph of several marine vessels at Port Kingstown.

By Admin. Updated 9:12 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority (SVGPA) has released a statement on the cancellation of a cruise call today at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal.

Earlier today, the ship AURORA from P & O CRUISES which has a capacity of 2,258 passengers had to cancel its call to the Kingstown Cruise Terminal due to a cargo ship being at the Terminal.

The news sparked much discussion on social media and resulted in a joint statement by some disgruntled business operators at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal who had already invested many resources to prepare for the ship’s arrival, but the SVGPA said the development was due to an accident involving a ship docked at the port.

In a November 10th press release, the SVGPA said : “Earlier this morning, a large vehicle carrier, sustained damage to its hull as it attempted to berth at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal (KCT). While the vessel remains temporarily disabled all its cargo was successfully discharged”.

“Use of the KCT became necessary because of serious damage to the main Kingstown cargo pier caused by Hurricane Beryl. Shifting cargo operations to KCT as a temporary substitute was done to ensure continuation of some aspects of maritime trade, taking into account certain functional conditions,” the SVGPA said.

The SVGPA said:

“Unfortunately, this incident has caused the cancellation of a cruise ship which was due here this morning. Had this accident not occurred, the cargo vessel would have departed in time for the cruise ship to make its call,” the SVGPA said.

The SVGPA said: “The position of the breach on the vessel, just above the water line presents many operational challenges and as well, requires the professional assessment of the damage before it can be safely moved from its present location”.

“The Port’s management empathizes with all affected by this unfortunate incident, particularly those more adversely impactedand sincerely regrets the resulting inconveniences,” the press release stated.

“As a top priority, the Port Authority is taking all necessary measures to restore operations at the KCT as speedily and effectively as possible without compromise to either safety and security and the avoidance of further potential complications by moving the vessel prematurely. An investigation as to the cause of the accident will also be undertaken,” the SVGPA said.