New Chinese-made ferries arrive in Guyana
Demerara Waves – December 21, 2011
The vessels moored alongside the THD’s Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
The two Chinese-made ferry vessels worth more than US$14.4 million have arrived in Guyana are to be put into operation on the Essequibo River early next year.
Financing of the design, construction and transportation of the MVs Sabanto and Kanawan was done through a grant by the Government of China.
Speaking aboard one the vessels, Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn said the vessels would begin serving the Parika- Supenaam route in early February. He said changes are being done to the stellings to facilitate the mooring of the vessels.
During the 40-day stay of Chinese experts, they would be training 10 crew members, make a number of adjustments and modifications as well as conduct river and sea trials.
“The training and operational requirements are more sensitive and they have to be practiced and the operational and handling characteristics have to be well-understood by the captains and the engineers to make sure that we put them into proper safety for the passengers and the assets,” said Benn.
Unlike vessels such as the MV Makouria that load at the side, the MVs Sabanto and Kanawan are end-loading.
The vessels can carry 800 passengers and 20 lorries or 44 cars. That is contrast to 350 passengers and 15 lorries and 25 cars.
He assured that the sourcing of spares would not be confined to China. “There is flexibility with respect to the sourcing of spares,” he said. The vessels are using Caterpillar engines and pieces of the electronic equipment are European-made.
Accompanying Benn on the tour were top officials of the Transport and Harbours Department/Maritime Administration, the Chinese embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Read also the Kaieteur News report:
Roll-On/ Roll-Off ferries arrive in Guyana
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