Guyanese Online

The government on Monday defended the new US$12.7 million vessel, which will ply the route from Georgetown to the North West District in Region One (Barima-Waini), noting that the vessel was designed and built with specifications to operate in the conditions it is intended to.

“This is a boat that is being built from scratch, designed for the conditions that it has to operate in with specifications to meet the needs of the people in Region One,” Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill said during a media briefing on Monday where he unveiled the model of the ship.       

With a speed of 15 knots, the vessel is 69.55 metres long with a beam of 13.5 metres; its width at its widest point and a draught of 3 metres.

The vessel has an endurance of 500 nautical miles and a displacement of 1,730 tonnes. It is capable of transporting 250 tonnes of cargo, 294 passengers, 14 sedan type vehicles, two trucks and 10 containers at the same time.

It is also equipped with a crane that covers a 15-metre radius and is capable of lifting six tonnes and cold storage facilities available on-board which will assist in transporting produce to and from the region.

Edghill added that this is a “game changer” for persons residing in the North West District as currently only two vehicles can be transported on-board the current vessel that plies the route. He also highlighted that the issue of spoilage of goods and meat will be eliminated.

He explained that when the vessel was launched in Kolkata, India, last week, it was merely 70 percent complete and now that the vessel is floating it will be completed with the installation of amenities.“Got to put in all of the fittings which includes plumbing, electrical, all of the other amenities for the comfort of the boat. Those are not things you put in for the launching because they can be destroyed while launching,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport and Harbours Department, Rosalinda Rasul joined Edghill in clarifying that the ship is fit for its purpose.

“One of the most important things, when you’re selecting a vessel for any operations, is its fit for purpose and functionality,” Rasul said, noting that where the vessel will be traversing is rough terrain.

“If you had a sleeker, modern, nicer cruise liner vessel we’re going to get criticised for investing in a vessel that is not fit for purpose,” she added.

The vessel was designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited – builders that construct vessels for the Indian Navy, Edghill said.

When completed, two teams of 10 persons each comprising of pilots and engineers will travel from Guyana to India to engage with the manufacturers for training to be able to service the vessel.