THE dredge, ‘Steve N’, is back in service after being dry-docked for the past eight weeks, and resultantly repaired by the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC). The ‘Steve N’ is the largest vessel owned by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and reparatory works were completed on time, within cost and specification.
The dredge is now available for use in dredging works in Guyana’s rivers after it was tested and handed over to MARAD.
When the vessel was dry-docked, 40 per cent of its hull needed critical repair, while several other areas were also in need of urgent attention.
Work on the dredge included fabrication works, repairs to the propulsion system, electrical installments, removal and installation of two generators and installation of an echo sounder system. Mechanical repairs and uplifting of the aesthetics of the dredge was also done.
The dry docking and active repair took approximately one month, and were fully completed within the eight-week period. Shipyard Manager, Mr. Jagdesh Ramjag, said that GNIC was able to fully complete all the work and bring the vessel up to specification. This work was described as routine since the GNIC is accredited with experienced staff.
The same dredge started its life in this said shipyard, and one of the very engineers that aided in the recent repairs was there when the steel for its hull was originally being assembled.
Mr. Ronald Bourne, Consultant to the Shipyard Manager explained that over the years he has been privileged to have worked on conducting preventative maintenance on the dredge, which has a “creative” history with the yard. The work was routine since GNIC has a very experienced shipbuilding and ship repair Team.
CEO of GNIC, Mr. Clinton Williams said that the company can be categorised as a ‘mini’ industrial conglomerate with the following as its major areas of operations: Shipbuilding and Repairs, Port Operations and Project Management. He was pleased that the team was able to complete the job on time, within specification and costs.
The CEO noted that the GNIC will be looking to upgrade and expand its facilities.
Additionally, the company will continue to work with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) to provide apprenticeship and on-the- job training in many related areas. Training, one of the strengths of the company, has over the years been provided to more than 1,000 Guyanese.
The major challenge currently being faced by the GNIC is the illegal beach operators who put vessels at risk by dragging them up on beaches for repairs rather than a proper dry-docking. GNIC has been appealing to ship owners to avoid this unsafe practice as it puts unnecessary strain on the hull integrity of vessels and could make them unseaworthy.
Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC) is a diversified shipyard, port operations and engineering company formed in November 01, 1995. Lease of the Infrastructural Facilities and the acquisition of machinery and equipment, tool and certain categories of inventories which were previously owned by the Guyana National Engineering Corporation Limited, a state owned company.
GNIC remains one of the main shipyards in the country and has a long history of shipbuilding in Guyana with reliable and withstanding vessels like the MV Malali and MV Torani being built in the shipyard. The company continues to tender for jobs and they are yet to be beaten on quality, price, experience and competence.