Navigation safety in Guyana’s waters is progressing swiftly, as yet another wreckage is being removed – this time, the Torani – a relic from the 1960s that was partially submerged in the Mazaruni River.
The Torani was once a vital transport link across the Essequibo and Berbice Rivers. After it encountered structural challenges in 2012, the vessel was rendered unfit for service.
Since its decommissioning in December 2018, the Torani has lain partially submerged near the Transport and Harbours Department’s dry dock facility in the Mazaruni River until now. Identified as a hazard to navigation, the Guyana Government has prioritised its removal, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals aimed at safeguarding our waterways.
Koole. B. V, a reputable Dutch company specialised in industrial and maritime services, contracted by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), has been tasked with the removal of 17 sunken vessels. Koole B.V brings expertise in submerged wreck removal, promising a swift and thorough execution of the project.
Progress has been steady, with seven vessels already successfully extracted and the Torani slated as the eighth. With an anticipated completion timeline of five weeks, this initiative signifies a significant step towards enhancing maritime safety and environmental protection in our country.
At the award of the $1.38 billion contract just over a year ago, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had emphasised the urgency of efficiently removing wrecks, noting that as Guyana’s maritime activities continue to evolve, ensuring the safe passage of ships and boats became paramount and the Government was committed to this endeavour.
The removal of these wrecks is key to port development in Guyana, in particular, the Vreed-en-Hoop port and the Gas-to-Energy Project.
Once completed, the wreck removal information will be submitted to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) for similar removal from the navigation charts. These efforts are expected to garner renewed confidence for mariners and vessels that it is now very safe to navigate our waters. It will also significantly decrease the insurance risks posed to vessels calling on Guyana’s ports.
MARAD had said it is invested in seeing all ports and port facilities in Guyana meet international standards. This wreck removal project was expected to cover the entrances to the Demerara, Berbice, Pomeroon, Waini, and Essequibo Rivers, as well as the coast in general.
Previously, three wrecks that were earmarked to be removed from the Demerara River under a $787.6 million project had been completed by the same company. The company was contracted following unsuccessful attempts in the past to remove the wreckage that hindered the smooth movement of vessels in the river. (G12)
