The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has reported that the first phase of the current dredging in the Essequibo River by the Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge, ‘STEVE N’, will finish in two weeks time.

However, the Department’s hydrographic surveyors will be surveying the area to ascertain its depth before the vessel is withdrawn from the area.

The ‘STEVE N’ commenced dredging in the Essequibo River at Chalmers Crossing on September 17, 2014. This represented part of the plan by MARAD to dredge the shallow areas of the Essequibo River that currently impede the movement of ships.

The ‘Steve N’ will resume dredging in the Demerara Main Ships’ Channel, and alongside wharves in the Demerara River at the completion of its dredging activity in the Essequibo River.