Summary
- The TT Chamber is calling for urgent multi-stakeholder engagement to address cargo movement problems between Trinidad and Tobago.
- Businesses report longer delivery times, reduced sailing frequency, 48–52-hour truck turnaround cycles, longer port waits and higher transport costs.
- The chamber says ferry cargo sailings have dropped from five per week to three, turning a one-day cycle into a two- to three-day logistics cycle.
- It warns the disruptions are straining inventories and fleet capacity and could raise prices and weaken supply reliability in Tobago, especially for temperature-sensitive goods.
- The chamber wants talks involving the Works and Infrastructure Ministry, the Port Authority, freight operators and affected businesses, focusing on sailings, booking transparency, refrigerated cargo protocols, driver welfare/port logistics and supply-chain costs.
By Alicia Chamely
THE Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) is calling for urgent multi-stakeholder engagement to address serious operational challenges affecting cargo movement between Trinidad and Tobago.
In a press release on Friday, the TT Chamber said businesses have reported extended delivery times, reduced sailing frequency, 48–52-hour truck turnaround cycles, prolonged port waiting periods, higher transportation costs and inadequate handling arrangements for refrigerated cargo.
“These factors are disrupting inventory management, increasing operating expenses, straining fleet capacity and placing direct pressure on prices and supply reliability in Tobago,” it said.
The chamber said cargo movement between the islands via the ferry system has been reduced from five sailings per week to three. As a result, it added, a “predictable one-day supply cycle has now expanded into a two- to three-day logistics cycle.”
“The sea bridge is a strategic economic corridor supporting food distribution, construction supplies, retail inventory, manufacturing inputs and temperature-sensitive goods. Extended lead times and increased logistics costs will ultimately be reflected in pricing, supply consistency and business sustainability in Tobago,” the TT Chamber said.
It called for urgent engagement involving the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, freight operators and affected businesses to develop solutions to improve the efficiency of inter-island cargo movement.
The TT Chamber said the following issues should be reviewed:
- Sailing frequency and turnaround efficiency
- Booking transparency and cargo allocation
- Refrigerated cargo management protocols
- Driver welfare and port logistics
- Cost escalation across the supply chain
Saying efficient cargo movement is fundamental to national economic stability and inter-island integration, the TT Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to constructive advocacy and engagement.
