Greek officers in Guyana to provide hands-on training for MV Konawaruk 1899 crew

Greek maritime officers are currently in Guyana providing hands-on training to crews of the Transport and Harbours Department (TH&D) on the newly acquired ferry, MV Konawaruk 1899.
The training comes shortly after the vessel’s inaugural voyage on the Parika to Supenaam route on December 19, 2025. Originally named MV ARIS IV, the ferry was acquired from Greece at a cost of just under US$5 million. It is Guyana’s first double-ended ferry and has the capacity to carry 81 cars or 19 European-type trucks, as well as more than 300 passengers.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who delivered the feature address at the commissioning ceremony, highlighted the strategic importance of the vessel for the country’s transport network. He noted that the acquisition reflects the government’s commitment to integrating land, river, and air transport to ensure connectivity for communities where roads end and rivers begin.
“Look at the growing lines that you see on a daily basis at Supenaam and at Parika. More trucks, more cars, more people. That line is not a problem; it is a portrait of a nation on the move,” the Prime Minister had said. He emphasized that the MV Konawaruk 1899 will reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and support the movement of perishable goods, boosting trade between Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill also stressed the significance of the ferry, noting that it addresses long-standing capacity challenges on the Essequibo Coast route. He added that a second vessel from Greece is expected to arrive soon to strengthen services on the Northwest District route, which is currently served by the Indian-built MV MA Lisha.
Director General of the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Stephen Thomas, described the commissioning of the MV Konawaruk 1899 as a clear signal of the government’s commitment to developing a modern, stable, and internationally compliant maritime transport system.
The 73-metre ferry, with a design draft of two metres suitable for the depths of the Essequibo River, arrived in Guyana earlier this month after a voyage of more than 5,000 nautical miles from Greece.