US$5M Haiakwa, Haimai pilot boats commissioned

Fulfilling a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali in 2023, two new, state-of-the-art marine pilot boats, Haiakwa and Haimai, were officially commissioned on Friday at the Transport and Harbours Wharf on Water Street, Georgetown, at a cost of over US$5 million. The vessels, part of a four-boat procurement programme, were constructed by renowned French shipbuilder OCEA. Designed to handle the challenging conditions of Guyana’s waterways, the Haiakwa and Haimai feature modern hull designs, advanced stabilisation technology, and enhanced manoeuvrability. These capabilities will allow pilots to safely navigate large vessels into and out of ports, even under adverse weather conditions. In addition to their structural advancements, the new pilot boats are equipped with specialised boarding systems to ensure the safe embarkation and disembarkation of pilots, a critical feature for operations during rough waters. They also support 24-hour operations and come fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, strengthening overall maritime safety in the region.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Captain Stephen Thomas, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), highlighted the technical specifications of the vessels and underscored the strategic importance of modernising Guyana’s maritime fleet. Captain Thomas explained that these investments are not merely about acquiring new vessels but also about enhancing operational efficiency, safety and the nation’s readiness to manage increased maritime traffic. He explained that the contract for the vessels was signed for a total of US$5.048 million. The vessels were named after two tributaries of the Demerara River, reflecting Guyana’s rich heritage and honouring the contributions of the country’s forest peoples to national development. Captain Thomas further highlighted the training provided by the French manufacturer, noting that representatives from OCEA came to Guyana to train local personnel in the operation and maintenance of the new vessels. “These vessels have a maximum speed of approximately 26 knots but generally cruise at around 20 knots. At this speed, they can take a pilot out to the now-extended channel and return to port in under an hour,” Captain Thomas said, contrasting it with previous operations, where such a journey took nearly four hours or more to undertake.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, provided a detailed outlook on the Government’s approach to the sector, emphasising that acquiring new vessels is only one part of the solution. He noted that while the maritime sector is currently experiencing a 54 per cent growth, the rising number of ships entering Guyana’s waterways means that more trained river pilots are urgently needed. Minister Indar explained that past challenges in the sector included operational inefficiencies and ageing vessels.
“The Maritime Administration must work in tandem with national development. Our river pilots are trained personnel, but we need more of them. If the [sector] is going to grow, we need more river pilots to handle the increasing number of ships being piloted into the Demerara Harbour.” He further elaborated on the crucial role maintenance plays in protecting national assets, drawing a parallel between the maritime fleet and other critical infrastructure projects: “Maintenance is critical. We have bought new vessels, and they should operate under standard procedures that ensure longevity. If engineers and those responsible for cleaning and maintaining the engines and other parts of these vessels do not perform their duties, it will not be a good story for us. It will make us appear as though we do not care about these national assets.” He also lent his perspective towards the brand-new Demerara bridge, which will be opened on Sunday, and stated that the same principle of maintenance and safety applies to national assets. “You don’t want people damaging infrastructure through negligence. As we modernise the fleet and the maritime sector, we must cultivate a culture of care for the assets under our control.” Finally, addressing the crew directly, Minister Indar emphasised accountability and the responsibility that comes with managing high-value equipment: “To the captains, engineers and deck men of these two vessels, I charge you with ensuring their proper operation. These vessels cost over five million US dollars each and represent a significant investment. Their commissioning, attended by a senatorial delegation from France, representatives of OCEA, the French Ambassador, Government Ministers and agency heads, underscores their importance. They must be protected and operated responsibly. If issues arise, MARAD is the line of authority to handle them.”