16th of June, 2022. Guyana, South America. GSA News
Last updated: June 16, 2022 at 15:20 pmA ferry which was commissioned by the Guyana Government on the 13th of January, 2021 saw completion and was launched to sea yesterday, Wednesday, 15th of June, 2022. The 70-meter long ship was constructed in India by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers. A government spokesperson said that the ship will travel at a speed of 15 knots which is estimated to be twice as fast as the existing Northwest Ferries. The current Northwest Ferries plying the Northwest-Georgetown route takes 24 hours per trip.
Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, along with other government representatives, was present yesterday at the launching ceremony in Kolkata, India, as the ship was launched to sea and set sail towards destination Guyana.
According to Minister Juan Edghill, the new ferry is outfitted with modern amenities and technology. The diesel powered ferry, which will cost the Guyana government US$12.7 million, has the capacity to carry 294 passengers along with its 14 crew, 14 cars, 2 trucks, 14 containers, and other cargo.
The project was funded by a grant of 8 million USD and a line of credit of 10 million USD from the government of India.
