THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, has formally invited qualified marine salvage contractors to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the recovery of the wrecked passenger and cargo ferry MV Barima, more than two weeks after the vessel sank off the Essequibo Coast in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the country’s history.
According to the invitation notice, the Barima presently lies as a wreck in soft mud at approximate coordinates Latitude 07°28′.213 North, Longitude 058°23′.443 West, in water depths of about 13 to 15 metres (42–49 feet).
MARAD cautioned that visibility at the wreck site is poor and that strong currents and tidal streams may be encountered, requiring “suitably robust procedures and equipment for safe operations.”
The vessel, registered in Georgetown, measures approximately 38.6 metres in length overall, with an 8.9-metre beam and 2.9-metre depth, and was fitted with twin Caterpillar C18 diesel main engines and Caterpillar diesel generator sets.
The ferry had capsized on the night of July 18. The sinking triggered what officials have described as Guyana’s largest-ever maritime search, rescue and recovery operation, drawing in the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the Guyana Police Force, MARAD, the Guyana Fire Service, the Civil Defence Commission, local fishermen, private vessels, and international partners including French military divers and ExxonMobil Guyana, which deployed its survey vessel SeaLand Surveyor to help locate the wreck roughly nine miles offshore.
Of an estimated 179 passengers and crew aboard, 73 deaths have so far been recorded while 76 people were rescued, with authorities saying 30 people remain unaccounted for.
Divers, including a French military team, previously described the recovery effort inside the wreck as extremely difficult, citing mud, tides, and debris such as ropes and hammocks obstructing access, with one soldier saying the vessel’s fragile condition would make a full salvage “very, very hard” to accomplish.
In its EOI, MARAD is seeking firms with a proven record of successful vessel salvage operations in Guyanese or wider Caribbean waters, particularly in environments marked by strong currents and restricted visibility. Interested companies must submit a corporate profile detailing ownership, place of business and years of experience in marine salvage, along with evidence of relevant work over the past five to ten years — including location, depth, vessel type and size, methods used, and client references.
Bidders are also required to outline a proposed technical approach for the Barima salvage that places emphasis on protecting and documenting forensic evidence for use by the Commission of Inquiry into the disaster, as well as environmental protection measures, personnel and equipment plans, an indicative timeline, and the capacity to stow the salvaged vessel upright on a barge for several weeks.
Companies must also confirm whether they can operate under “no cure, no pay” or other commercial arrangements, and demonstrate adequate insurance, health, safety and environmental management systems in compliance with Guyana’s maritime, procurement and occupational safety regulations.
Expressions of Interest, capped at 10 pages excluding appendices such as CVs and project sheets, must be submitted electronically in PDF format to procurement@marad.gov.gy no later than close of business on Friday, August 14, 2026, with late submissions not considered.
MARAD said it reserves the right, following review, to shortlist firms and issue a detailed Request for Proposals or Tender Document — including technical specifications, site data, and contractual terms — to selected companies only, and stressed that neither the Ministry nor MARAD is obligated to accept any EOI, reserving the right to annul or re-advertise the process at its sole discretion.
