The Guyana-Suriname ferry service has been suspended again, leaving passengers, vehicle operators and businesses on both sides of the Corentyne River uncertain about when the vital cross-border link will resume.
The Canawaima Ferry Service announced Saturday that operations of the MV Canawaima had been temporarily halted because of technical issues aboard the vessel. No details were provided on the nature of the problems, and no date has been announced for the resumption of service.
The latest suspension comes days after the vessel was cleared to sail following a re-inspection on August 13, ending an earlier threat by Suriname’s Maritime Authority (MAS) to prohibit the ferry from operating because of outstanding technical and safety deficiencies.
The renewed stoppage has also highlighted differences between Guyana and Suriname over the vessel’s condition, maintenance and the timing of repairs.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said two recent technical inspections were conducted by maritime experts from Guyana and Suriname. According to Edghill, the experts determined that the vessel could continue operating for up to three months before being taken into dry dock.
“Despite these assurances which were provided in writing the Maritime Authority in Suriname (MAS) insisted that certain matters which would have been addressed during drydocking, should be undertaken immediately,” Edghill said.
Earlier this month, MAS warned Canawaima Management Company N.V. that the vessel could face a sailing ban if identified deficiencies were not addressed. The authority requested an action plan detailing the required repairs and a timetable for dry-docking, while stressing that the safety of the vessel, its crew and other maritime traffic remained paramount.
Guyana has maintained that responsibility for the MV Canawaima’s maintenance and dry-docking rests with Suriname under the arrangements governing the ferry service.
The latest suspension has disrupted operations at Moleson Creek in Guyana and South Drain in Suriname, with passengers and vehicles reportedly left waiting on both sides of the river.
The Canawaima is a critical transportation link between Guyana and Suriname, carrying passengers, vehicles and goods across the Corentyne River. Previous disruptions have stranded Guyanese in Suriname and required government intervention to facilitate their return.
The repeated interruptions are now raising broader concerns about the reliability of the vessel and whether existing maintenance arrangements are sufficient to ensure uninterrupted service.
While ferry management has indicated that efforts are under way to resolve the current technical problems, the absence of a firm reopening date has left travellers, transport operators and businesses dependent on the crossing awaiting further information.
For now, passengers have been advised to monitor official announcements for updates on when regular ferry operations will resume.
