Guyana says Suriname responsible for maintenance of MV Canawaima

Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 17:11 by Denis Chabrol

Amid a threat by the Maritime Administration of Suriname (MAS) to ban operations of the ferry, MV Canawaima, if a number of safety concerns are not addressed, the Guyana government on Tuesday said it was not responsible for that aspect of the vessel.

“Based upon the joint venture agreement, Guyana supplies all fuels, lubricants and batteries to facilitate the daily operation of the ferry while Suriname takes care of the maintenance and dry docking of the vessel,” the Ministry of Public Works said in a statement.

The MAS, in a letter dated August 7, 2026, to the terminal manager of Canawaima Management Company NV in Southdrain, Nickerie  said if the required measures have not been implemented by 13 August 2026 at the latest, the MV Canawaima will be subject to a sailing ban effective from 14 August 2026 at 00:00.

This concerns, among other things, the full presence and readiness for use of all legally prescribed safety equipment. In addition, all fire-fighting equipment must be present, inspected, and immediately ready for use, and the fire detection and fire-fighting system must be fully operational.

The MAS further requires that all crew members possess valid Basic Safety Training and Crowd Management certificates. If certain certificates are not yet available, written proof must be provided that the relevant training courses will be completed within one month. In addition, an independent, recognized ship surveyor must carry out an inspection and assessment of the watertightness of the hull and the cofferdams of the vessel. A positive inspection report is a condition for potentially obtaining a temporary exemption from the mandatory dry-docking.

Guyana’s Public Works Ministry said that over the last several days, the Guyana side of the joint venture has been engaging their Surinamese counterparts. “We anticipate out of those engagements, a resolution to this matter. Guyana commits itself to the letter and spirit of the joint venture signed between Guyana and Suriname, and is committed to ensuring a safe transport link by way of an efficient and seaworthy ferry.”

In the past, Guyana had provided a vessel temporarily until works on the MV Canawaima had been completed.