Government Acquires New Roll-On/Roll-Off Ferry for Region One Route; Three Wharves to Be Commissioned Simultaneously
By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Government of Guyana has purchased a new roll-on/roll-off passenger and cargo ferry that will be assigned to the Georgetown to Region One route, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced on Wednesday, adding that the vessel will be commissioned by President Irfaan Ali at a ceremony expected to be held shortly.
The vessel — a 50-metre, fully air-conditioned ferry currently bearing the Greek name Kalliopi N — was acquired through the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) from Greece. It was built in 2024. The President will give the vessel a new Guyanese name at the commissioning ceremony.
Vessel Specifications
The Kalliopi N has the capacity to carry:
- 264 passengers
- 82 cars
- 19 trucks
The vessel is fully air-conditioned, making it a significant upgrade in passenger comfort for travellers on the Georgetown to Region One route.
Why Region One Matters
Region One — the Barima-Waini region, known also as the North-West District — has no road connection to the rest of Guyana and is entirely dependent on river transport and air services for connectivity with the coast and the capital. The region is home to a predominantly Amerindian population across numerous communities along the Waini, Barima, and Moruca rivers. Reliable ferry service is therefore not a convenience but a structural necessity for residents, commerce, and the delivery of public services.
With the addition of the Kalliopi N, Region One will be serviced by four vessels — a development Edghill said will significantly improve transport and connectivity for the people of the North-West District.
Three Wharves to Be Commissioned
Minister Edghill also announced that when the new ferry is commissioned by the President, three wharf facilities will be commissioned at the same ceremony:
- The new Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown, with a new terminal building
- The Mabaruma Wharf, with a new terminal building
- The new Manawarin Wharf and associated facilities
Mabaruma is the administrative capital of Region One. Manawarin is a community in the Moruca sub-district. The commissioning of new terminal buildings at both locations will improve the physical infrastructure supporting ferry services in the region.
Officials Toured the Vessel
Minister Edghill was joined at the Kingston Goods Wharf for a tour of the new vessel by Transport and Harbours Department General Manager Yolanda Hughes, MARAD Director General Captain Stephen Thomas, and other officials.
The Minister described the acquisition as timely and said it aims to improve connectivity and commerce along the Region One route.
“We look forward to when His Excellency the President will approve a new name more fitting to Guyana and Guyanese,” Edghill said.
