Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on Tuesday announced that two ferries are to be purchased from Greece for the Essequibo River crossing and the north west run, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported. “We have already purchased a new vessel, where the legal paperwork is at its final stages. By the 25th and 26th of this month, that vessel will be steaming down to Port Georgetown, and that will be adding to the fleet we have out at the Supenaam/Parika route. If you think that is the high point and a great achievement, I can also tell you that we are finalising now from Greece another ocean-going vessel to ply the Georgetown, Region One route,” Edghill stated. The minister said that these ferries will greatly improve the transport of passengers and cargo, helping economic growth in the regions served by the ferries. DPI said that the ferry for the Essequibo crossing will carry up to 86 caravan-type vehicles, significantly surpassing the current capacity of the MV Sabanto and MV Canawan, which carry just over 50 vehicles. The new vessel can nearly double the current capacity for transporting goods, which will reduce delays. Another boat will serve the Georgetown to Region One route, capable of carrying 55 caravans or 19 trucks each trip. Edghill anticipates this vessel will multiply the region’s cargo and vehicle movement capacity by as much as six times per trip. “The visionary leadership by President Ali and his cabinet are not accidental. All of these investments are intentional and purpose-driven because we are building not just oil and gas, but agriculture is being expanded. Tourism is being expanded. The build-out of government services in the hinterland communities are being expanded,” Edghill asserted. An India-financed ferry, the $2.5b MV Ma Lisha was introduced to the north west route in August of 2023 but it was soon realised that its cargo capacity was insufficient. In addition to the ferries, Edghill said that two state-of-the-art pilot boats, built by French shipbuilder OCEA are scheduled to arrive soon. These vessels are now complete and are preparing to sail to Port Georgetown. Meanwhile, three boats are under construction to transport agricultural goods through the Demerara, Berbice, and Pomeroon rivers. Once completed, these boats will support the government’s goals to boost rural productivity and improve market access for farmers in remote areas, DPI said.