MB Sandaka deployed for Guyana-Suriname ferry service as Canawaima enters dry dock

The Government of Guyana will deploy the MB Sandaka to maintain ferry operations between Guyana and Suriname from Saturday, November 7, when the MV Canawaima is scheduled to enter dry dock, in a move aimed at preventing another disruption to the cross-border transportation service.

The Ministry of Public Works announced the arrangement on Thursday evening, confirming that the replacement vessel will operate between Guyana and Suriname, facilitating the continued movement of passengers and goods.

In a release, the Ministry said the decision follows discussions between ministers responsible for the relevant portfolios in both countries, while their maritime authorities have also been collaborating to ensure the continuity of the service.

“The Government of Guyana will provide a vessel, the MB Sandaka, to ensure the continuous movement of people and goods between Moleson Creek, Guyana, and South Drain, Suriname,” the release said in part.

It confirmed that the Canawaima will enter dry dock on November 7, with the Sandaka scheduled to commence operations that same day.

The announcement comes just over two months after a dispute over the Canawaima’s condition resulted in the temporary suspension of ferry operations, disrupting passenger travel and commercial transportation between the neighbouring countries.

In August, Suriname’s maritime authorities raised concerns about the vessel’s seaworthiness and insisted that outstanding safety issues be addressed.

Concerns had also been raised about corrosion, firefighting equipment, the vessel’s watertight integrity and other safety requirements.

Although the Canawaima was initially cleared to continue operating following inspections, the service was subsequently suspended on August 22, at the insistence of Suriname’s maritime authorities.

During the disruption, Guyana proposed introducing an alternative vessel to maintain the transportation link, but the proposed replacement was rejected by Suriname, complicating efforts to restore the service.

The suspension affected passengers, traders and businesses dependent on the ferry connection, with increased reliance on the Springlands–Nickerie small-boat crossing, commonly referred to as the backtrack route.

The situation also prompted the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce to call for clearer timelines for repairs and the restoration of operations, while advocating the availability of a dependable replacement vessel to prevent similar disruptions.

Following further engagements between the two governments, the suspension was lifted, and the Canawaima resumed operations on August 28.

Under the existing bilateral arrangement governing the ferry service, Guyana is responsible for providing fuel, lubricants and batteries, while Suriname is responsible for the vessel’s maintenance and dry-docking.

The Canawaima, which has been operating for about three decades, has faced increasing scrutiny over its condition, with earlier assessments identifying the need for repairs and rehabilitation to sustain its operations.

While the announcement by the Ministry of Public Works addressed the longstanding maintenance concerns surrounding the vessel, it did not indicate how long the Canawaima would remain in dry dock, the extent of the repairs to be undertaken or when the vessel is expected to return to service.