Vessel that prevented cruise ship from docking at Kingstown now fixed and moved 

Marine Vessel – Splendid Ace. Photo by Xtreme Radio SVG.

By Admin. Updated 7:39 p.m., Tuesday, November 13, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

 The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority (SVGPA) announced Tuesday the successful completion of repairs to the vessel Splendid Ace following an incident that occurred while it was berthing at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal (KCT) on Sunday 10th November 2024.

“The damage that the vessel sustained was assessed and repairs carried out to an acceptable standard under the guidance of a NK class surveyor who arrived in state on Monday, November 11,  2024,” the SVGPA said in a release.

“The repair works to the vessel paved the way for the continuation of its voyage and as such the vessel departed the KCT around midday today,” the SVGPA said.

On Sunday, November 10, there was much discussion on social media after some operators of businesses at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal expressed their frustration as the vessel AURORA from P & O CRUISES had to cancel its scheduled call to Kingstown due to a cargo ship being at the cruise terminal.

The ship has a capacity of 2,258 passengers.

Cargo ships are being docked at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal because of damage to the Kingstown Port from Hurricane Beryl which struck in July.

The country is also constructing a new port to replace the more than 60-year-old cargo port at Kingstown. The new port is set to be commissioned during the first quarter of 2025.

The SVGPA said the departure of the vessel Splendid Ace reflects the SVGPA’s commitment to operational resilience and its capacity to respond effectively to unexpected challenges, thereby contributing to efficiency and effectiveness in the trade and transport sector across the region.

The SVGPA said it extends its empathy and appreciation to all stakeholders affected by this incident. We also take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders and the broader community for their patience and cooperation while we worked to resolve this issue. We look forward to continuing our role as a trusted Port for secure and reliable logistical and maritime services.