Last Updated on Thursday, 15 January 2026, 0:20 by Writer
The people of Region One (Barima‑Waini) and surrounding areas can now look forward to more comfortable and faster travel with the arrival of a modern vessel that will bolster the government’s marine fleet, the government’s Department of Public Information (DPI) reported Wednesday.
Demerara Waves Online News was reliably informed that the government paid just over US$4 million for the ferry that was built in 2025 in Greece. Currently named Kalliopi N, the vessel will be given a local name.
The DPI also reported that operating at an average speed of 10 to 12 knots, the vessel is expected to cut travel time, significantly, along the coastal route serving Region One and connecting ports.
Before departing Greece, the vessel underwent a rigorous vetting and procurement process, with modifications to ensure it met international maritime standards for ocean travel, DPI said.
These works included reinforcement of fuel capacity, testing of ballast tanks, inspection of bulkheads and valves, and the installation of duplicated navigation and communication equipment, while all safety and lifesaving systems were thoroughly inspected and certified, the agency added.
Kalliopi N is the second ferry to have arrived from Greece in just over a month, the first having been the ARIS IV, which was bought for US$4.4 million. That vessel has since been renamed the MV Konawaruk 1899 and deployed to serve the Parika-Supenaam route.
During a tour of the vessel at the Georgetown Wharf on Wednesday, President Irfaan Ali said the acquisition forms part of a broader strategy to renew incrementally the existing fleet.
He explained that over the coming years, older vessels will be replaced to deliver more consistent service, improved comfort, enhanced reliability, and reduced travel times across all regions.
President Ali also announced that the government is in the process of acquiring other vessels, particularly to strengthen the Parika-Bartica route in Region Seven, ensuring that residents along the Essequibo corridor benefit from the same upgraded level of service.
He stressed that this parallel investment for Region Seven is designed to expand capacity on the Parika-Supenaam-Bartica circuit and better support the movement of people and goods.
The President underscored that the modernisation drive goes beyond vessel acquisition, noting that key ports and wharves are being upgraded to accommodate front‑loading vessels of this type in Region One, Kingston, Parika and across the Essequibo.
He said the successful delivery of the Kalliopi N was accomplished through the coordinated work of maritime professionals, technical teams and regulatory authorities, supported by extensive documentation, contractual compliance and adherence to international maritime laws.
“I want to really compliment all those who worked as a team, in synergy, to have this vessel safely delivered and to add to our maritime assets, so that we can bring greater ease to the transport ecosystem of our country, and we will continue to build on this,” President Ali said.
Minister Deodat Indar, who accompanied the president on the tour, said the vessel is powered by three Hyundai engines and supported by two generators. It has a seating capacity of 284 passengers and can transport up to 51 vehicles, or the equivalent of 14 trucks, with an air‑conditioned passenger area to enhance comfort.
“Our mandate is really to make sure that travel is reliable and that we have the capacity to deal with the increasing number of trips that we are seeing for Region One and for the Parika–Supenaam-Bartica circuit,” the minister noted.
This latest investment underscores the government’s commitment to building a modern, efficient and reliable transport network that supports economic activity, improves connectivity and enhances the quality of life for citizens in every region.
MARAD’s Director General, Captain Stephen Thomas, and Member of Parliament Thandi McAllister joined President Ali and Minister Indar on the tour of the new vessel.
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