THE Maritime Administration (MARAD) has indicated that the operation of the two new ferries on tidal conditions is based on a combination of factors.
The Director General of MARAD, Mrs. Claudette Rogers said those start with the dredging of Chalmers Crossing in the Essequibo River so as to accommodate the vessels at the lowest tide. Another requirement to be addressed is the hydrographics (maritime surveys) which must be conducted first to determine a number of other parameters, she said.
MARAD, which has a mandate to keep the river channels cleared, at present has the only dredge – the ‘Steve N’ – awaiting mechanical spares to get back into operation and it  has other priorities to attend.
Asked about a timeframe for the hydrographics, Rogers said the surveys will be commencing in a few days and the findings would be reported to the Harbour Master who will act on them.
The two ferry boats, acquired from China, were put into operation last September and November and have been sailing on a high tide schedule published monthly by the Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD).
This service has seen a larger movement of farmers’ produce and other goods from the Essequibo Coast to Demerara.
It is envisaged that a reconditioned or new dredge would be secured by the government in view of the amount of dredging to be done.