.jpg)
THE two roll-on roll-off ferries gifted to Guyana by China are both operating, as recently, the second, the MV Sabanto, sailed, joining the other vessel, the MV Kanawan, plying the Parika to Supenaam route twice daily. 
General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Marclene Merchant, told the Government Information Agency that the departure hours of the vessels vary with the tidal conditions; there is one vessel at each location, and they both leave simultaneously from Parika, Region 3 and Supenaam, Region 2 and vice versa.
The MV Kanawan made its first commercial trip from Parika to Supenaam in September. The vessels had arrived in Guyana in December 2011, but their service was delayed while awaiting repairs to the stellings which would accommodate their service.
The first trip by the Kanawan saw the vessel accommodating a total of 46 passengers, nine trucks, three canters and two cars on board.
Ms. Merchant has stated that the boats will “significantly improve the traffic destined to and from Wakenaam, Supenaam and Parika.”
The Chinese personnel who brought the vessels to Guyana had conducted training with locals to man the vessels, and also assisted in outfitting them in preparation for their commissioning. Additionally, trial runs were conducted in the Demerara River and at sea, prior to their introduction to the routes.
The vessels represent an enormous boost in river transportation, particularly in the Essequibo district, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn had previously observed.
“The last time such an intervention was made in terms of river transportation was in 1959, when the Makouria class vessels came into Guyana, followed by the arrival of the Torani in 1962… 52 years later, we are here receiving new vessels…This is attributed to the insight of the PPP government into these matters.”
The two vessels carry a VIP lounge and the necessary amenities to bring comfort to passengers. Each vessel can seat 800 passengers and has the capacity to each carry 20 lorries or 44 cars.
The boats are similar to the MV Makouria class vessels, and of the size of the MV Canawaima, which plies the Guyana/Suriname route. (GINA)
General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Marclene Merchant, told the Government Information Agency that the departure hours of the vessels vary with the tidal conditions; there is one vessel at each location, and they both leave simultaneously from Parika, Region 3 and Supenaam, Region 2 and vice versa.The MV Kanawan made its first commercial trip from Parika to Supenaam in September. The vessels had arrived in Guyana in December 2011, but their service was delayed while awaiting repairs to the stellings which would accommodate their service.
The first trip by the Kanawan saw the vessel accommodating a total of 46 passengers, nine trucks, three canters and two cars on board.
Ms. Merchant has stated that the boats will “significantly improve the traffic destined to and from Wakenaam, Supenaam and Parika.”
The Chinese personnel who brought the vessels to Guyana had conducted training with locals to man the vessels, and also assisted in outfitting them in preparation for their commissioning. Additionally, trial runs were conducted in the Demerara River and at sea, prior to their introduction to the routes.
The vessels represent an enormous boost in river transportation, particularly in the Essequibo district, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn had previously observed.
“The last time such an intervention was made in terms of river transportation was in 1959, when the Makouria class vessels came into Guyana, followed by the arrival of the Torani in 1962… 52 years later, we are here receiving new vessels…This is attributed to the insight of the PPP government into these matters.”
The two vessels carry a VIP lounge and the necessary amenities to bring comfort to passengers. Each vessel can seat 800 passengers and has the capacity to each carry 20 lorries or 44 cars.
The boats are similar to the MV Makouria class vessels, and of the size of the MV Canawaima, which plies the Guyana/Suriname route. (GINA)
