Ocean Flower II still dry-docked in Chaguaramas

The Ocean Flower II, which was supposed to be dry-docked at Chaguaramas for seven days, continues to be dry-docked there because of a decision taken to do an overhaul of the vessel.

Sources at Caridock said on Tuesday, the boat’s funnel located behind one of the engines was emitting smoke while there were other defects detected in the vessel which has to be repaired. According to the sources, the repair work is continuing apace and it is not yet known when those repairs will be completed.

The owner of the vessel Bridgeman Services which is responsible for the Ocean Flower II earlier stated that the vessel was ready to service the sea bridge if they had acquired the contract a second time around.

Sources also revealed that engineers have already installed T-foils to stabilise the vessel.

The installation of the T-foils was requested of Bridgeman when the company was first awarded the contract to provide passenger ferry services for the inter-isle seabridge.

In August Government cancelled its leasing of the Ocean Flower II and new tenders were invited in September.

An evaluation committee is expected to be installed to consider the new tenders, which include one from Bridgeman.