The MV Ma Lisha, the ocean-going cargo-cum-passenger ferry vessel which was built in India departed for Guyana three days ago and is expected to arrive here by early March.
“The North West Ferry, I am very happy to inform you that it set sail from India for Guyana three days back….. So maybe by end of February, first week in March we should have it in Guyana,” Indian High Commissioner, Dr K J Srinivasa told Stabroek News during an interview yesterday.
Speaking after the commemoration of India’s 73rd anniversary as a Republic, Srinivasa said a vessel has been chartered to carry the MV Ma Lisha, which is expected to arrive in Trinidad by the end of February. “…..It is high seas. So it’s riding piggyback….From Trinidad it’s going to sail on its own to Guyana,” he said.
The vessel was built by Garden Reach Ship-builders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) at a cost of US$12,733,403. It was funded through a grant/line of credit from India.
It will cater to the transportation needs of passengers and cargoes along the river line and coastal routes of the northwestern district of Guyana.
In November 2021, the keel of the vessel was laid in Kolkata. The vessel was launched in June last year by Minister of Public Infrastructure, Juan Edghill during a visit to India. On January 13, 2021, the Transport and Harbours Department signed a US$12.7M contract with the Indian company to commence the construction of the vessel. The signing marked the end of a years-long delay in the major project.
The Ministry of Public Works had said that the 70m-long vessel, with a displacement of 1700 tonnes, is propelled by two diesel engines and Twin Disc Gear Boxes to achieve a maximum speed of 15 Knots. The vessel has been fully designed by the GRSE design teams and can accommodate 294 passengers (including 14 crew members) along with 14 cars, two trucks and 14 containers and cargo.
Upon its arrival here, the ferry is expected to be formally inaugurated by President Irfaan Ali.
