In a strategic move reinforcing its territorial claims, Guyana officially commissioned the MV Konawaruk 1899 ferry on the Essequibo River this Friday, despite encountering operational challenges during its maiden voyage. The vessel, acquired from Greece for approximately US$5 million, was ceremoniously named to reference both a significant geographical area in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and the pivotal 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award that established the land boundary with Venezuela.
The commissioning ceremony, led by Prime Minister Mark Phillips, underscored the vessel’s symbolic importance in the ongoing territorial dispute with Venezuela, currently under deliberation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ferry is designated to serve the Parika-Supenaam route, a critical transportation corridor for agricultural cargo including rice, paddy, and machinery from Region Two.
However, the inaugural journey revealed significant technical shortcomings. At both the Parika and Supenaam terminals, vehicle access proved problematic due to misalignments between the ferry’s bow door and the docking facilities. Security vehicles risked damage during boarding, necessitating temporary wooden planks for safe passage. The most pronounced issue occurred at Supenaam Stelling, where the bow door failed to land flush with the bridge, causing a 15-minute delay and requiring direct intervention from Maritime Administration Director-General Stephen Thomas and engineering staff.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed that while adjustments had been made to mooring facilities to accommodate the newly acquired vessel, additional modifications would be necessary. The government’s naming convention for marine craft—after rivers and significant locations—continues with this acquisition. The existing Chinese-made Sabanto and Kanawan ferries will remain operational on the Parika-Supenaam route, with another Greek vessel expected next month for deployment on the Georgetown-North West District route.