Three companies bid to salvage MV Barima

Last Updated on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, 10:41 by Written By Denis Chabrol

One Dutch and two Guyanese companies have submitted bids to salvage the MV Barima that sank in July and claimed more than 100 lives, according to records from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Of the nine firms that were shortlisted after filing Expressions of Interest (EOI) at the request of the Maritime Administration (MARAD), the three that submitted bids were Guyanese companies Industrial Fabrications Inc. (InFab), BK International Inc and the Netherlands-headquartered KMS B.V.

Demerara Waves Online News was informed that the bids would now be evaluated before negotiations for a contract begin.

KMB B.V. is associated with Koole Contractors that was hired five years ago for an initial GYD$787.6 million to remove sunken vessels from the Demerara River and along sections of the coast to ensure safety of marine traffic. nFab has over the years done extensive emergency repairs to the now defunct floating Demerara Harbour Bridge.

According to the NPTAB records, KMB B.V. has offered to salvage the MV Barima about 10 miles off Devonshire Castle village, Essequibo Coast for US$2,035,100. InFAb is proposing to do the job for US$1,895,000 while BK International’s asking price is US$1,034,000.

Among the terms of reference in the request for EOI is that the salvager must be able to preserve forensic evidence for the Commission of Inquiry into the July 19, 2026 incident. Public hearings are expected to begin later this month, according to the COI secretariat.

The captain, first mate and the Transport and Harbours Department Goods Superintendent have been charged with murder. Of the estimated 179 passengers and crew members, 77 persons were rescued and 72 others are missing.