MV Canawaima sailing ban threats: Suriname responsible for maintenance and dry docking – Public Works Ministry

…says Guyana working to ensure resolution

With the MV Canawaima threatened with a sailing ban over safety concerns, the Guyana Government noted that it is working with its Surinamese counterparts to ensure a resolution to the issues. Surinamese media reported that the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) has given the Canawaima Management Company N.V. a final opportunity to eliminate the outstanding shortcomings onboard the ferry which services the Guyana-Suriname route. The Canawaima Ferry Service is jointly owned by the Governments of Guyana and Suriname (each country owns 50 of the issued share capital). It is the holding company for the Canawaima Management Company N.V, a wholly owned subsidiary which was incorporated in Suriname.
According to a statement from the Public Works Ministry in Guyana on Tuesday, over the last several days, the Guyana side of the Joint Venture has been engaging their Surinamese counterparts.

“We anticipate out of those engagements, a resolution to this matter,” the statement noted. “Guyana commits itself to the letter and spirit of the Joint Venture signed between Guyana and Suriname, and is committed to ensuring a safe transport link by way of an efficient and seaworthy ferry,” it added. Moreover, the Public Works Ministry explained that based upon the Joint Venture agreement, Guyana supplies all fuels, lubricants and batteries to facilitate the daily operation of the ferry while Suriname takes care of the maintenance and dry docking of the vessel. According to reports coming out of Suriname, the threat to ban the sailing of the MV Canawaima was made in a letter dated August 7, 2026 from the MAS to the terminal manager of the Canawaima Management Company N.V in Southdrain, Nickerie. The letter follows an earlier correspondence dated July 26, 2026, in which the company was instructed to send a plan of action with regard to the inspection report of the MV Canawaima to the MAS within one week of receipt. On August 5, 2026, the MAS carried out another on-board inspection. During this re-inspection, it was found that a majority of the previously identified deficiencies had not yet been remedied. The MAS has therefore given the company the last opportunity to submit a plan of action. This plan must include a clear timetable for the elimination of the deficiencies identified, the implementation of the necessary major repairs and the planned docking of the vessel. In addition, the maritime authority has determined that various safety matters must be in order by 13 August at the latest. This includes the complete presence and readiness for use of all legally prescribed safety equipment.
All firefighting equipment must also be present, approved and immediately deployable and the fire detection and firefighting system must be fully operational.
The MAS also requires that all crew members have valid Basic Safety Training and Crowd Management certificates. If certain certificates are not yet available, it must be demonstrated in writing that the relevant training courses will be completed within one month. In addition, an independent, accredited ship surveyor must carry out an inspection and assessment of the watertightness of the vessel’s hull and cofferdams. A positive inspection report is a condition for possibly obtaining a temporary exemption from the mandatory docking. The MAS has pointed out to Canawaima Management Company N.V. the consequences if the requirements are not met in time. If the required measures are not carried out by 13 August 2026 at the latest, the MV Canawaima will be banned from sailing with effect from 14 August 2026 at 00:00. According to the MAS, the sailing ban will remain in force until the requirements set to ensure safe shipping have been fully met.