Reg 3 waterfront to become transshipment hub to Caribbean

… new regional ferry service to operate out of Parika

The first phase of the Parika Port development – a development that will see the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) eastern-based community waterfront becoming a direct transshipment hub to the rest of the Caribbean.
This was revealed during President Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) on Saturday. During the visit, the President referenced the development occurring throughout the region and by extension, the country.
“The first phase of the Parika port development… is out to tender now. The first phase of the Parika port development, that’s going to allow us to ship directly from Parika to the Caribbean. That will allow the transshipment of containerised traffic, coming into Parika,” President Ali said.

In addition to the Port facility, President Ali spoke of other development initiatives as well. These include the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase, the two Gas-to Energy (GtE) Projects – one of which is expected to be completed this year, and an industrial hub planned for Wales.
“Look at the investment. Two major shore base facilities. One completed, going to the second phase, the other one under construction. In this region, you will host 600 megawatts (MW) of power for the country. Two power plants. We will have an industrial hub. With manufacturing. You will have a fertiliser plant built in this region, to supply fertiliser for all of our agriculture needs in this country.”
For some time, plans have been afoot to construct a new Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development Project, which will effectively transform the Parika Stelling into a major regional hub for transportation and socioeconomic activities, and enhance operational efficiency, prioritise safety and guarantee commuters’ comfort.
Funds have already been set aside in the Public Works Ministry’s $9.9 billion River Transport budget for this initiative. Additionally, monies were also earmarked to support the dredging of the Demerara River channels to ensure safe passage of larger ships as well as the removal of wrecks and obstructions from the Demerara and Essequibo rivers.

Regional ferry service
Meanwhile, the new regional ferry service, which is being facilitated through a joint venture between the Governments of Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, will be operated out of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) when it comes on stream.
Back in May 2022, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago had embarked on establishing a ferry service between the two countries to transport people and cargo. During a joint press conference between President Ali and T&T’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley in Georgetown, the two nations had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in several areas.
Since then, it has been reported that the Trinidad and Tobago Cabinet had approved the use of that country’s Galleons Passage vessel to operate the ferry service between the twin-island republic and Guyana. The vessel can accommodate 400 passengers and 60 cars. Among the facilities onboard are a cafeteria, a bar, and a VIP lounge.
Last year, it was announced that Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados had formed a joint company that would work towards the introduction of a ferry system for passengers and cargo between the three countries.
Another key development was the historic US$300 million Vreed-en-Hoop shore base facility that was commissioned only in January, to support the country’s maritime and transport sector. The Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc. (VEHSI) facility, which was built by a consortium of local companies – NRG Holdings Inc, is viewed as a major step towards Guyana’s overall ambitions to become a regional transportation hub.
The consortium of investors in VEHSI includes Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer and Eddie Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited; and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc. NRG hold a majority stake of 85 per cent in VEHSI, while the remaining 15 per cent is owned by Jan De Nul – the company that constructed the facility.
The more than 50 acres commissioned will serve as a world-class Subsea Umbilicals, Flowlines, and Risers (SURF) shore base for ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL). It will provide essential services for offshore oil and gas infrastructure, including equipment storage, inspections, repairs, and fabrication.