70 metre-long ferry for Region 1 to be delivered by October

The 70-metre ferry earmarked for Region One (Barima-Waini) that is under construction by an Indian company on a line of credit from India is expected to be delivered by October of this year.
Last year, a keel-laying ceremony was held for the ferry in India, where it is being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). At the ceremony, it had been announced that works on the vessel, which will traverse Region One, were well underway.
The Auditor General Report of 2020, in fact, has further details on the project, since auditors had enquired from the Public Works Ministry about it. The Ministry informed the auditors that based on the latest progress report, the ferry was scheduled to be delivered by October 2022.

“The Head of Budget Agency stated that after months of being stalled, the procurement of the New Ocean-Going Passenger and Cargo Ferry Vessel for the North West District was revived in September 2020. Subsequently, all the technical discussions were concluded and a contract signed in January of 2021. Production of the vessel has commenced and according to the latest progress report, the ferry is scheduled to be delivered to Guyana by October 2022,” the report states.
The contract for the ferry was signed between the Transport and Harbours Department and GRSE in January of 2020. Funding for the ferry was sourced through a $3.6 billion combined grant and line of credit from the Government of India. The ship is designed to carry 276 passengers and 14 crew members, along with 14 cars, two trucks, 10 containers, and four refrigerated containers.
During the keel-laying ceremony last year, GRSE Chairman and Managing Director, Rear Admiral VK Saxena had spoken of the opportunity the contract presented to his company to leverage its experience and demonstrate its shipbuilding ability to the world.
“The success of this project stands dedicated to the untiring efforts of Team GRSE and synergy among all stakeholders despite of the ongoing pandemic. This vessel aims to create a new benchmark in the field of passenger and cargo movement in Guyana.
“This project is a ssssharbinger for more cooperation between our friendly nations in the maritime domain in near future. GRSE is proud to contribute towards friendly bilateral relations between the two nations,” he had said.
Meanwhile, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) Director General, Captain Stephen Thomas expressed satisfaction on the progress of the project. According to him, the project is a testament to Guyana’s stable and longstanding partnership with India.
“This project is a distinct enterprise for the Government of Guyana designed to provide smart transportation of passengers and cargo. Catering to the needs of our people, the vessel will prove to be an efficient mode of transport for the passengers and cargo movement in Guyana. This cooperation with India’s leading shipbuilder GRSE highlights our stable and long-term relationship with India,” he had said.
Also present were Chargé d’Affaires of the Guyana High Commission in India Ronalda Edwards-Horatio, as well as Directors of GRSE and other senior officials of GRSE and the Transport and Harbours Department, Guyana. (G3)