What Crew Members Say About Cabo-Star

On February 19, 2026, Seajets celebrated a significant milestone with the arrival of 'Cabo', previously known as 'Cabo Star', at the bustling port of Piraeus. The vessel made its entrance at noon, securing a berth at Saint George (Molos DEH). Following its arrival, the ship proceeded directly to the Peramatos shipyard for essential maintenance and modifications to comply with Greek maritime regulations. Seajets acquired the Cabo Star in January from Bridgemans Services Group, marking the company's first venture into the Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping market in Greece. Prior to its arrival in Piraeus, the ship had set sail from Caracas Bay in mid-January, making its way through Curacao before docking in Greece on the 19th. For detailed visuals of the arrival, visit the report with accompanying photo and video: https://ferryshippingnews.com/seajets-roro-cabo-arrives-in-greece/ or watch the footage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvHCsCsYgDI.

In a strategic move to bolster maritime operations, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has officially chartered the ropax ferry 'Blue Wave Harmony' (IMO 9007283). This state-of-the-art vessel, which previously serviced the Iskenderun-Haifa route until November 2025, is set to replace the 'Cabo Star' upon the expiration of its lease on January 12, 2026. This transition marks a significant upgrade in capabilities, featuring four main engines to enhance redundancy and minimize service disruptions. Equipped with robust loading ramps designed for heavy-duty use, the 'Blue Wave Harmony' will be able to accommodate both bulk and specialized cargo, further improving operational efficiency. The ferry's anticipated arrival in Trinidad is slated for around January 18, contingent on prevailing weather conditions and the successful completion of all regulatory and operational clearances. The National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) stated that the acquisition process was managed meticulously to ensure compatibility with operational frameworks at the ports of Port of Spain and Scarborough. The initiative is focused on increasing cargo capacity while also enhancing passenger comfort, safety, and overall reliability. In the interim period, the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Limited has put contingency measures in place utilizing existing vessels such as 'A.P.T. James', 'T&T Spirit', and 'Galleons Passage' to maintain the essential ferry service between the islands. Notably, the 'Blue Wave Harmony' is certified for the transport of dangerous and specialized cargo and is not expected to require scheduled dry-docking in 2026, which will ensure seamless operations moving forward. This upgrade is expected to create new opportunities for local employment and service providers, further contributing to the economic landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.

The 'Cabo Star', a vital vessel providing cargo transport on Trinidad and Tobago's inter-island seabridge since 2017, has been sold by Bridgemans Services Group. As a result, the ferry will not be available for lease renewal upon the expiration of its contract on January 12, 2026. The government has indicated there is no obligation for lease renewal, creating a significant shift in maritime logistics for the region. While the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was aware of the impending expiration of the lease, they were not informed about the ferry's sale. Conversations related to the expiring lease were held between the THA and the central government during the dry-docking period from July 12 to August 3. Moving forward, it is essential that the Office of the Procurement Regulator (OPR) guidelines are strictly followed in the process of acquiring a new ferry. The THA is anticipating a formal plan of action from the ministry by the end of December, as they prepare for this transition.

A fire incident occurred in the engine room of the ferry 'Cabo Star' shortly after its departure from Scarborough on August 23, 2023, at 11:25 p.m. The blaze ignited just two minutes after the vessel left port at 11:23 p.m. Fortunately, the crew acted swiftly, managing to isolate and extinguish the fire without any injuries reported among the 80 passengers and 35 crew members aboard, along with 141 vehicles. The 'Cabo Star' made a return to Scarborough, docking at 5:30 a.m. UTC on August 25. Some passengers required medical attention on-site or were taken to local medical facilities for further assistance. As a precaution, all ferry sailings were suspended until further notice pending assessments of the vessel's condition. The investigation into the extent of the damage is still ongoing. Meanwhile, the affected vehicles, weighing up to 7,000 kilograms, will be redirected to alternate vessels including the 'APT James', 'Buccoo Reef', and 'Galleons Passage' to ensure uninterrupted inter-island ferry services remain operational. The 'Cabo Star' is set to be towed to Port of Spain for a thorough investigation by insurers, certification from the Maritime Services Division, and requisite repairs to the engine.

In a recent health incident aboard the 'Cabo Star,' a man was assessed for potential COVID-19 on March 19, 2020, but medical examinations revealed that he was suffering from the flu instead. The passenger reported feeling unwell shortly after the vessel arrived in Trinidad from Tobago, leading health officials to conduct an evaluation at approximately 7:00 a.m. The Trinidad and Tobago national had no recent travel history, and medical personnel observed symptoms consistent with a lower respiratory tract infection, commonly linked to influenza rather than the novel coronavirus. Upon initial assessment, experts at the Port of Spain General Hospital confirmed that there were no signs of COVID-19, alleviating concerns among crew and passengers. In accordance with health protocols, disembarkation was temporarily halted while further information was gathered. Contact tracing was initiated for the onboard population, which included 61 passengers and 31 crew members, to monitor any potential symptom developments. The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-island Transportation Company Limited (TTIT) conveyed that the crew member was cleared of any COVID-19 related symptoms. Following thorough sanitization protocols, the 'Cabo Star' was granted clearance to resume its scheduled services, with plans to set sail again at 5:00 p.m. The swift response from health officials and adherence to safety measures helped ensure the wellbeing of all individuals aboard.

On March 24, 2018, the Cabo Star experienced significant disruptions during its nine-hour voyage between Trinidad and Tobago due to malfunctioning toilets. Passengers faced the unfortunate predicament of having to use the facilities inside the vessel or resorting to overboard relief, as the sewer system was severely choked by inappropriate items. The Port Authority reported that the blockage was caused by rocks, lemons, and clothing deliberately inserted into the toilets by travelers. Previously, on March 22, similar issues had arisen when rocks clogged the sanitation system, necessitating urgent repairs. Although the toilets were restored to functionality within a few hours on March 24, this pattern of misbehavior by passengers has prompted the Port Authority to issue a stern reminder. Tampering with the toilets and vandalizing property is not only dangerous but is also illegal. Authorities are urging all travelers to respect onboard facilities and use them appropriately to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.