Specifications of India-funded ferry being finalised

The Government of Guyana is currently in discussion with two India-based companies to finalise the details for the construction of an ocean-going vessel that would be used to ply the route between Georgetown and the North-West District (NWD) in Region One (Barima-Waini).
The Indian Government has made available US$18 million for the ferry. Of this amount, US$8 million will be a grant, while the remaining US$10 million will be a line of credit (LoC) to be repaid within 20 years, with a five-year grace period.
Speaking at a press conference late last week, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, told reporters that two Indian companies – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) and SHOFT Shipyard Pvt Ltd – have already contacted the Guyana Government to iron out the design, construction and supply details.

“They (Guyana Government) are in discussions with these two companies to finalise the specifications of the ferry. Because, first, they have to finalise the specifications of the ferry, and then one of the companies will be given the bid to manufacture the ocean-going vessel,” the Indian diplomat explained.
Back in January 2015, former President Donald Ramotar had secured the funding while attending the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gujrat, India. He had a meeting on the sidelines with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the commitment was made.
The Guyana Government had previously written to India, requesting funding for a ferry “to help Guyana overcome transportation problems in the northern region.”
Back in November 2016, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had signed an agreement with representatives of the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India at his Main Street, Georgetown, office.
Minister Jordan had said the acquisition of the vessel would bring much-needed relief to residents in the area. “These resources will be used to facilitate the construction of the passenger and cargo vessels to provide river transportation to residents plying the route,” he had said, and added that the other two vessels – MV Barima, which was refurbished last year to the tune of $150 million, and Lady Northe Cote – are very aged and in dire need of repairs.
Over the years, residents have been complaining about the negative impact of the service on their lives and livelihood. “The construction of this new cargo ferry is expected to provide improved services to those residents who commute regularly between Regions One and Four. This mode of transportation is also expected to provide a number of social and economic benefits to the two regions, and the country as a whole,” the Finance Minister had stated.
He added that the new vessel would also allow for passengers and goods to be moved at affordable prices in a safe, secure and reliable environment. “This new ferry vessel will increase efficiency in operation by allowing passengers and freight to be conveyed more swiftly, with fewer delays as a reduction in traffic time. It will allow for greater market access, where the economy of scale will improve through production, distribution and consumption, contributing to the economic growth of Guyana,” the Minister said.
Guyana’s other ferry vessel, MV Kimbia, was also docked for repairs last year.