The Government of Guyana has launched an international procurement process to recover the wreck of the MV Barima, the passenger and cargo ferry that sank off the Essequibo Coast in July, claiming 73 lives, leaving 30 people still missing, and with 76 survivors rescued in what has become the country’s deadliest maritime disaster.
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, has invited qualified and experienced marine salvage contractors to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the technically complex recovery operation.
The MV Barima, which was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One, capsized and sank in waters approximately 13 to 15 metres (42–49 feet) deep. The tragedy prompted one of the largest search, rescue and recovery operations ever mounted in Guyana, involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, other state agencies, local fisherfolk, civilian volunteers and specialist divers from French Guiana.
According to the invitation, the wreck lies near Latitude 07°28.213’ North and Longitude 058°23.443’ West, where strong currents, tidal streams and poor underwater visibility present significant challenges for salvage operations.
The vessel measures approximately 38.6 metres in length, has an 8.9-metre beam and 2.9-metre depth, and is powered by twin Caterpillar C18 diesel engines with Caterpillar diesel generator sets.
MARAD said the successful contractor will be required to propose and execute a comprehensive salvage methodology covering every phase of the operation. The work will include preserving and documenting forensic evidence for the Presidential Commission of Inquiry established to investigate the disaster, while also implementing environmental protection measures throughout the recovery.
Interested firms must demonstrate successful vessel salvage experience over the past five to ten years, identify key personnel and specialized equipment, provide an implementation timeline, confirm their ability to transport and maintain the recovered vessel upright on a barge for several weeks, and submit evidence of insurance coverage and compliance with Guyana’s maritime, procurement, occupational safety and environmental regulations.
Expressions of Interest, limited to ten pages excluding appendices, must be submitted electronically to procurement@marad.gov.gy by the close of business on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
Following the evaluation process, MARAD will shortlist qualified firms before issuing a detailed Request for Proposals outlining the technical specifications, site information, contractual requirements and commercial terms for the recovery operation.
The ministry said the invitation does not bind the Government of Guyana or MARAD to accept any submission and reserves the right to cancel or re-advertise the procurement process at its discretion.