GUYANA is looking to strengthen its position in the regional maritime industry as the country seeks to build local capacity and enhance its international recognition as a flag State.
The issue was among matters discussed on Tuesday when Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, received a courtesy visit from senior representatives of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Hanwha Shipping, a global maritime transportation and logistics company.
The discussions focused on areas of mutual interest and opportunities to advance Guyana’s maritime sector, with particular attention to strengthening local capacity and improving the country’s standing as a flag State.
Indar highlighted the rapid expansion of Guyana’s maritime and offshore sectors, noting the country’s geographic location and ongoing economic development as key advantages in positioning it as a regional maritime hub.
He also reaffirmed Guyana’s potential to become a regional maritime powerhouse as activity in the offshore and related sectors continues to expand.
Strengthening Guyana’s capacity to regulate, manage and support maritime activities could have implications for employment, technical training, shipping services and the broader development of the country’s blue economy.
The ABS delegation comprised Chairman and Chief Executive, John McDonald; CEO of ABS Group of Companies Inc., Dave Wechsler, and Offshore Account Manager, Gabrielle Caldas.
Hanwha Shipping was represented by Chief Executive Officer, James Sagar and Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Stewart.
Also participating in the discussions were Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation Director General, Alfonso De Armas; Parliamentary Secretary, Thandi McAllister, who also serves as Guyana’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Legal Director of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD); and MARAD Director General, Captain Stephen Thomas.
The engagement comes as Guyana’s offshore economy continues to generate increased maritime activity and demand for shipping, logistics, regulatory and technical services.
Greater international recognition of Guyana as a flag State, coupled with investment in local maritime expertise, could further position the country to capture a larger share of the economic opportunities associated with the sector.
The discussions with ABS and Hanwha Shipping therefore form part of broader efforts to strengthen Guyana’s maritime capabilities while supporting the country’s emergence as an increasingly important player in the regional maritime industry.