Port Authority Issues Update Following Hull Damage Sustained By Blue Wave Harmony

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UPDATE (02/02/26): New video shows the extent of the damage sustained by the Blue Wave Harmony during berthing manoeuvers on Friday (30th January, 2026).


According to reports, the hull of the recently-acquired vessel, the Blue Wave Harmony — the passenger and cargo boat which replaces the Cabo Star on the sea-bridge — was damaged this morning (Friday 30th January, 2026) during its second sea-trial sailing to the Port of Scarborough, Tobago. The incident occurred during the vessel’s berthing manoeuvers, and only its crew was onboard at the time. There have been no reports of injuries. Preliminary information indicates that weather conditions, including strong winds, were contributing factors.

The Blue Wave Harmony arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on 22nd January, 2026 at the Port of Port-of-Spain. The vessel will provide increased cargo capacity, enhanced refrigerated storage, and improved passenger accommodations, including cabins and onboard amenities. It is also expected to improve operational reliability, with upgraded systems and built-in redundancies designed to reduce mechanical downtime — a longstanding concern for freight operators and travelers.

In its first Media Release following the incident, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) said the Blue Wave Harmony is “currently undergoing its sea-trial phase, which forms part of the standard operational and familiarization process before the vessel's introduction into full commercial service. The vessel successfully completed its first sea trial on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, sailing from the Port of Port-of-Spain to the Port of Scarborough as part of its scheduled commissioning programme.”

According to PATT, “The Blue Wave Harmony departed the Port of Port-of-Spain on Thursday, January 29, 2026, for its second sea trial sailing to the Port of Scarborough. During berthing manoeuvers at the Port of Scarborough this morning, an incident occurred, resulting in damage to the vessel's hull. At the time of the incident, the vessel's experienced captain was being assisted by a marine pilot, in keeping with standard operational practice. Only the vessel's crew was onboard at the time of the incident. There have been no reports of injuries.”

PATT notes that the vessel was secured alongside a berth at the Port of Scarborough, and is stable, and all immediate safety protocols have been activated.

PATT added, “Preliminary information indicates that weather conditions, including strong winds, were contributing factors. All circumstances surrounding the incident remain under assessment currently. Port operations at the Port of Scarborough related to the scheduled sailings of the inter-island ferries continue to operate normally. Technical teams are conducting damage assessments in collaboration with the vessel operator and the appropriate agencies. PATT will provide further updates.”

In a follow-up since the incident this morning (Friday 30th January, 2026), PATT provided the following update:

  1. The Blue Wave Harmony has safely shifted to accommodate the scheduled berthing of the cruise ship, Morella Explorer, which docked this morning with 2,543 passengers;
  2. The vessels servicing the inter-island sea bridge are operating on time and uninterrupted.

PATT said the APT James departed the Port of Scarborough on time at 6:43 AM, carrying 658 passengers and 184 vehicles. “The TT Spirit is now on its way to the Port of Scarborough and will arrive on time and passengers will follow the routine disembarking process and cargo will be offloaded according to regular procedures.”

More on this as it becomes available.

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