The Government has acquired another new vessel to ply the Georgetown to Region One route. The new vessel which can travel at a speed of 10-12 knots is expected to significantly reduce travel time to Region One.
President Irfaan Ali, who inspected the new vessel yesterday, said the Government is in the process of replacing all of the older vessels to ply the interior route.
“Incrementally over the next three years, we will also be looking at replacing all of the older vessels, so that we can have the same level of service in all the Regions,” the President noted.
In addition to acquiring the new vessel, the President said his Government is ensuring that there is improved infrastructure at the ports and wharves across the country. He said upgrades are already taking place to accommodate front‑loading vessels.
“As you know we are also in the process of modernizing all of wharves and port facilities to accommodate these vessels, there in Region 1, in Kingston, Parika and the Islands across the Essequibo. So, its not only about the vessel but its about upgrading our infrastructure,” the President noted.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar indicated that the vessel, underwent some modifications before being sent to Guyana to ensure that it is compliance with maritime standards and ocean travel.
“The vessel went through a long process of vetting procurement because it is a relatively new vessel that is 2024 built, it has 3 Hyundai engines and 2 generators about 284 seating capacity currently, and we are looking to review that but it will also carry about 51 carries and about an equivalent of 14 trucks and this vessel can make a trip between Georgetown to region 1 very quickly,” Mr. Indar said.
While the vessel is expected to ply other locations, it will mostly service the Region One route.
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