A Shipyard Grows in Trinidad & Tobago
Spurred by Panama Canal Expansion and U.S. As Trinidad and Tobago seeks to diversify its economy, it is banking on a massive shipyard construction project as the centerpiece of a maritime industry and economic revival. A Trinidad and Tobago Parliamentary debate earlier this year centered on the Motion, ‘Increase of Loan Ceiling under The Development Loans Act.’ One diversification strategy involves the country’s thrust into the development and expansion of the maritime sectors, particularly Shipbuilding and Repair.
The Trinidad & Tobago Maritime Sector
The recent 2013-14 National Budget of Trinidad and Tobago firmly highlighted the government’s intention to endorse Shipbuilding and Repair as a means of diversifying our traditional oil and gas economy. Trinidad & Tobago is in the middle of the world’s shipping lanes with an approximate 31,000 voyages per year passing within 25 nautical miles, positioning the location as an attractive choice for vessels traversing these principal routes. In addition, approximately 14,000 oceangoing vessels pass through the Panama Canal each year and this is expected to double after mid-2015…
Maritime Mentorship Programme 2009
On July 28 2009, the T&T Shipbuilding and Repair (S&R) Cluster undertook two presentations to some 50 mentees which formed part of their contribution to this annual Maritime Programme. Organized by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GoTT) as an initiative to promote the Shipbuilding and Repair sector to young persons between the age group 15–17 years, the long term aim is to help diversify the country from the energy sector. Wilfred de Gannes – S&R Deputy Leader, also gave a brief Introductory Address on the Cluster’s work to the Mentees.
