The new roll-on/roll-off ferry vessel ‘MV Kanawan’ today made its long-awaited first commercial trip from Parika to Supenaam, with a total of 46 passengers, 9 trucks, 3 canters and 2 cars on board.
The MV Kanawan and Sabanto were gifted to Guyana by the Chinese Government in December 2011, but their sailing was delayed to accommodate modifications to the stellings at Parika and Supenaam.
General Manager, Transport and Harbours Department, Marclene Merchant told the Government Information Agency that “A lot of commuters were awaiting the operation of the two new ferries…these boats will be making initially one trip each per day…this will significantly improve the traffic destined to and from Wakenaam, Supenaam and Parika”.
While the maiden voyage did not see the boat utilising its full capacity, Merchant believes that by Wednesday this will be realized, GINA reported.
“Kanawan will provide a straight shuttle from Parika to Supenaam…MV Malali will be making one return trip from Parika-Wakenaam-Supenaam per day,” Merchant said.
GINA said that crew members recently embarked upon navigational training to acquaint themselves with the ‘on and off’ loading of the new vessels.
On Saturday last the crew made a test run with 52 passengers and a total of 24 vehicles, ranging from trucks to cars.
GINA added that the boats are similar to the Makouria class vessels and of the size of the Canawaima that plies the Guyana /Suriname route.
