–  as government evaluates proposals  

GUYANA’S government is taking significant steps toward establishing a deepwater port, a project poised to enhance the country’s role as a major trans-shipment hub in the region, according to Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
During a press conference Dr Jagdeo shared updates on the initiative, highlighting the importance of selecting a model that supports large-scale international trade and integrates with broader regional development strategies.
Previously, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had revealed that the new deepwater port could be built at New Amsterdam, in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) which will open new avenues for international trade, particularly with Brazil, Guyana’s southern neighbour due to the road link to Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo).

Jagdeo, however, explained that the government was currently evaluating several proposals for the deepwater port, which aims to accommodate the largest vessels in the world.
“There are several proposals now that we have received, and these would all have to be stacked against one another…We’d have to assess which is the best proposal and whether the proposed developers have the expertise to implement the project, and they have the financial capacity to do so,” the Vice President said.

Vision for Regional Integration
The proposed deepwater port is not just a standalone project but a key component of Guyana’s broader vision to integrate with northern Brazil.
According to Jagdeo, by developing a port that can handle large vessels, Guyana aims to become a central player in regional trade, facilitating the movement of goods between South America and global markets like the Panama Canal.
“We believe the best model should be… going out right into the deep, that would allow the largest vessels in the world to come here…That would be, in the long run, the most sustainable thing to do because you’d avoid a lot of the dredging costs and everything else, Jagdeo explained.
Given Guyana’s strategic geographical location on South America’s edge and with its strategic integration with Brazil, combined with the port’s capacity to handle significant cargo volumes, is expected to make Guyana a major growth hub, increasing its attractiveness as a destination for trade and investment.

The deepwater port is expected to significantly reduce the cost of shipping for Guyanese exports, making them more competitive on the global market. It will also lower the cost of imported goods, benefitting consumers and businesses alike.
“A port of that nature will seriously make our goods that we export, whatever we export, more competitive. The costs of freight out of Guyana are enormous, and sometimes it would affect everything, including our bauxite. And if we can ship bulk, the big ships can come in, you can cut the cost of freight by maybe 60 per cent, which is a huge benefit to making your product more globally competitive,” Jagdeo noted.
Moreover, Jagdeo highlighted that the port would be a critical infrastructure piece for future economic growth, supporting not just trade but also other sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
The Berbice project, developed by CGX Energy, has been referred to as a “deep-water port” by the company, but also Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo clarified that it does not meet the criteria for a true deepwater port.

Broader Economic Strategy
With cheaper energy and a road connection like the Corentyne Bridge to Suriname, the deepwater port project aligns with Guyana’s broader economic strategy, which includes modernising infrastructure and creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
Notable projects, such as the full paving of the Linden-Lethem Road, are intended to enhance connectivity and facilitate the movement of agricultural and mineral products between Brazil and Guyana.
As the government continues to evaluate proposals, the focus remains on selecting a model that maximises long-term benefits for the country.
“It’s an integrated project. Part of the revenue stream to make this project sustainable has to be the integration with Brazil and the business in and out of Brazil, because on its own, we may not be able to generate enough of a revenue stream to pay back the capital costs and to give a decent rate of return to the equity investor,” Jagdeo said.

In collaboration with CARICOM counterparts Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana is actively pursuing a ferry service to facilitate cargo and passenger transport.
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is supporting this initiative, emphasising its commitment to improving food security, and fostering regional co-operation.

President Ali had previously revealed ongoing discussions for a specialised ferry service with Aruba, catering specifically to the transportation of agricultural produce.
Highlighting Guyana’s potential as a major transport hub, he envisions the country becoming the gateway between South America and the world, unlocking vast opportunities for investments and trade.
The President stressed the need for structured mechanisms to harness the potential of inter-regional trade among the Caribbean, South America, and Africa.
The Head of State had underscored the importance of building transportation links via sea and air to achieve greater integration.

Guyana’s strategic significance was reaffirmed during a trilateral meeting among President Ali, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva and Surinamese President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
The leaders issued a joint declaration, setting the stage for a comprehensive strategic roadmap with working groups in infrastructure, energy, and security.