Govt eyes expansion of dockyard facilities to support growing vessel fleet

As Guyana’s maritime sector continues to expand with the acquisition of new vessels, Government officials are turning their focus toward increasing dockyard facilities for maintenance and servicing, a move Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced on Friday during the commissioning of Guyana’s two new pilot vessels.
Edghill emphasised the need for modern and efficient infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the maritime industry. “So apart from expanding the channels, we have to look at more efficient dockyards that will ensure maintenance is kept on schedule and that the demand being required is met. The partnership should grow and expand, which would ultimately grant MARAD (Maritime Administration Department) good success,” he stated. The Minister revealed that within the coming months, several new vessels will be added to the national fleet as part of the Government’s plans to expand and modernise Guyana’s maritime transport network. “There are a lot of other things happening, and we’re glad that this partnership is evolving. We look forward to continued participation. What we have achieved over the last five years will soon pale in comparison to what must be accomplished now. In the next five years, the agenda is greater — broader in scope and impact. We need everyone to understand that Guyana is not just changing, but has changed,” Edghill underscored.
He also expressed confidence in Minister Deodat Indar’s ability to take the sector to the next level. According to Edghill, this initiative forms part of a broader developmental agenda driven by Guyana’s rapid transformation. “We are escalating the agenda. We are magnifying what was already happening and making it more important. Guyana is not just changing, Guyana has changed. And we need to take that next step,” he asserted. The Minister also highlighted the continued collaboration with OCEA, a world-renowned and reputable French shipbuilding company. “OCEA is a world-renowned, reputable company with years of experience. We want to see you stay engaged and help with knowledge transfer. And of course, one of the biggest things we will have to look at — and I’m sure Minister Indar will pursue this with vigor — is that as we acquire more vessels, we must also expand dockyards for the servicing and maintenance of both Government-owned and privately operated fleets,” Edghill stated.
“We’re doing bigger and better things. Additionally, three cargo boats — to be delivered in a few months — will operate along the Berbice, Demerara, and Pomeroon Rivers to boost agriculture and agricultural development,” the Minister explained. Edghill concluded by stressing the need for improved management and maintenance practices as Guyana’s maritime fleet continues to grow.
Only last week, two new state-of-the-art marine pilot boats, Haiakwa and Haimai, were officially commissioned at the Transport and Harbours Wharf on Water Street, Georgetown, marking the fulfilment of a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali in 2023. Valued at over US$5 million, the vessels form part of a four-boat procurement programme and were constructed by renowned French shipbuilder OCEA. Built to withstand the challenging conditions of Guyana’s waterways, the Haiakwa and Haimai feature modern hull designs, advanced stabilisation technology, and enhanced maneuverability, enabling pilots to safely guide large vessels in and out of ports, even during adverse weather conditions.
In addition to their structural advancements, both boats are fitted with specialised boarding systems that ensure the safe transfer of pilots, a critical component for operations in rough seas. They also support 24-hour operations and are equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication systems, significantly strengthening Guyana’s maritime safety and operational capacity.