THE Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD) commenced operating the two ferry boats acquired from the People’s Republic of China on the ParikaSupenaam route last week.

The m.v. Kanawan and m.v. Sabanto began working on the highest tides intermitting from the two locations where the construction and modification for the new type of mooring in Guyana were done.
Of these roll-on/roll-off ferries, the m.v. Sabanto started its service in September and the m.v. Kanawan followed on November 6, sailing express to Supenaam.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Robeson Benn indicated, to this newspaper, that since the ferries have been in operation, to date there were no reports of any hindrances to their operation.
He said works are still ongoing on the catwalks at the respective stellings but are expected to be completed soon.
Benn said the route will see some dredging where other ferries had usually encountered grounding problems at low tide.
The new ferries each have a capacity of 800 passengers in a large cabin-style accommodation equipped with three big televisions and air condition with canteens and can accommodate 44 small vehicles or 20 trucks.
A fully computerised wheelhouse controlled the ferry with close circuit cameras and surround sound public address system. The modern navigation, communication radio and telephone intercom system enables the full communication of all areas of the vessel.
On Kanawan to Supenaam on Sunday, the traffic was minimal and the captain noted that there are not many passengers on the ferry unless a large group is travelling to some significant function or occasion but he hopes to see the vessel filled to capacity one day.
The ferry takes just under two hours to its destination.