HGP Nightly News – The MV Canawaima has been pulled from service with fresh technical problems, again disrupting the critical ferry connection between Guyana and Suriname.
The temporary suspension was announced in an August 22 public notice issued by Terminal Manager Deyne Harry.
According to Canawaima Ferry Service Inc., technical issues were detected aboard the vessel, forcing management to halt operations along the Moleson Creek–South Drain route.
“Management is working assiduously to have these issues resolved at the soonest possible time,” the notice stated.
No details were provided about the nature or severity of the problems, when they were discovered or how long repairs are expected to take.
Management apologised for the disruption and said passengers and commercial operators would be informed when the ferry was ready to resume service.
The breakdown comes shortly after the vessel cleared a follow-up inspection by the Maritime Authority Suriname.
On August 7, MAS gave the Canawaima’s operators a final opportunity to correct deficiencies and warned that the vessel would be banned from sailing from August 14 if the requirements were not satisfied.
The regulator demanded legally required safety equipment, approved and operational firefighting systems and valid Basic Safety Training and Crowd Management certificates for crew members.
MAS also required an independent, accredited surveyor to assess the watertightness of the vessel’s hull and cofferdams.
Following a reinspection, the sailing restriction was lifted, allowing the Guyana-Suriname ferry service to continue.
Harry confirmed on August 14 that the Canawaima had passed the follow-up inspection after work was done to address the regulator’s requirements.
The latest suspension does not, by itself, establish that the newly detected technical problems are connected to the earlier deficiencies or that the vessel should not have passed the safety inspection.
Neither the ferry management nor MAS has publicly explained whether the current fault involves the hull, propulsion, electrical systems or other equipment.
The quick return of the vessel to the dock nevertheless highlights its continuing operational vulnerability and raises questions about what further repairs may be required to keep the service reliable.
Under the bilateral arrangement governing the Canawaima, Suriname is responsible for the vessel’s operation, maintenance and dry-docking, while Guyana provides fuel, lubricants and batteries.
Harry previously said maintenance had historically fallen behind on the Surinamese side. He added that Guyanese officials became involved in recent talks with MAS and the company’s board to establish minimum requirements and preserve the cross-border service.
The ferry is an important transportation link for passengers, vehicles and commercial cargo travelling between Guyana and Suriname. Its suspension can force travellers to postpone trips or seek more expensive alternatives.
No date has been announced for the resumption of operations.
