The M.V. Canawaima will resume operations between Guyana and Suriname on Friday after Surinamese maritime authorities lifted a ban on the vessel, ending a temporary suspension that disrupted travel between the two neighbouring countries.
The Government of Guyana said the Maritime Authority of Suriname (MAS) lifted the restriction following technical inspections and the completion of specific requirements it had outlined for the vessel.
The ferry will return to its regular schedule beginning August 28, with priority initially being given to transporting passengers who were stranded because of the suspension.
“The Government of Guyana welcomes the announcement that the ban has been lifted on the M.V. Canawaima,” the government said in a statement Friday.
Officials from Guyana and Suriname had been in daily contact over the past several days as they worked to resolve the issues surrounding the vessel and restore the critical cross-border service.
The suspension followed concerns raised by MAS over works it wanted undertaken on the vessel ahead of its scheduled drydocking.
Guyana had previously said two technical inspections were conducted by maritime experts from both countries and that the experts concluded the Canawaima could safely remain in operation until it entered drydock within the next three months.
Despite those findings, which Guyana said were provided in writing, MAS insisted that certain works that would ordinarily have been addressed during drydocking be completed immediately. That position resulted in the continued suspension of the service while officials worked to satisfy the Surinamese authority’s requirements.
Under the existing arrangement governing the jointly operated ferry service, Suriname is responsible for the maintenance and drydocking of the Canawaima.
The Guyana government said the inconvenience caused to travellers was significant but maintained throughout the suspension that public safety had to remain the overriding consideration.
“We were aware of the considerable inconvenience this temporary suspension had on the public in both countries and as such, ensured that everything that had to be done was done,” the government said.
The Canawaima provides a key passenger and vehicular connection between Guyana and Suriname through the Moleson Creek-South Drain route and is an important link for cross-border travel and trade.
Guyana and Suriname are expected to continue discussions on the vessel’s upcoming drydocking as well as arrangements for a replacement vessel to help ensure the ferry service can continue without further interruption.
The government thanked authorities, stakeholders and passengers for their cooperation and patience during the suspension.