- Damaged cargo ship SPLENDID ACE departs Kingstown
The Splendid Ace, a vehicle carrier vessel that sustained hull damage while docking at the Kingstown cruise terminal on Sunday, has been repaired and departed the state without a proper explanation from port officials.
On Tuesday night, the Port Authority announced, “The vessel’s damage was assessed, and repairs were successfully completed to a satisfactory standard under the oversight of an NK class surveyor who arrived in state on Monday, November 11, 2024.”
The announcement did not provide clear information regarding whether the issue was due to the ship’s actions or the instructions given during the berthing process. The announcement did not clarify how the collision would affect the cruise terminal, considering it was not designed to accommodate such vessels.
According to sources, the vessel likely collided with an underwater object, requiring the offloading of additional cargo to avert water intrusion. Two additional sources indicate that divers usually inspect the berthing area before ships arrive.
“They execute a dive to ensure that nothing can touch the ship’s hull.” In this instance, considering that the hole emerged midway along the waterline prior to the ship’s offloading, it is reasonable to suggest that it may have encountered a nearby object”.
Press Release Below
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority (SVGPA) is happy to share that repairs to the vessel Splendid Ace have been successfully completed. This follows an incident that took place while the vessel was berthing at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal (KCT) on Sunday, 10th November 2024.
The vessel’s damage was evaluated, and repairs were completed to a satisfactory standard under the supervision of an NK class surveyor who arrived in state on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The repairs to the vessel allowed for the continuation of its journey, and consequently, the vessel left the KCT around midday today.
The departure of the vessel Splendid Ace showcases the SVGPA’s dedication to operational resilience and its ability to respond adeptly to unforeseen challenges, thus enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the trade and transport sector throughout the region.
The SVGPA expresses its understanding and gratitude to all parties impacted by this incident. We would like to express our gratitude to all stakeholders and the wider community for their understanding and collaboration as we addressed this matter. We eagerly anticipate maintaining our position as a dependable port for safe and trustworthy logistical and maritime services.
