The Government of Guyana, through Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has commissioned a pilot boat at a cost of $535 million.
Dubbed the “PV Arapaima”, the boat was commissioned at the National Coast Guard Headquarters at Ramp Road, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
The PV Arapaima is a 14-man custom-built vessel constructed by Ocea Shipbuilding Limited in France, following a needs assessment conducted by MARAD. Built from aluminum, the boat can achieve a top speed of 30 knots (55.56 kph) at high speed and a cruising speed of 15 knots (27.78 kph). Ships will not be able to outrun it as they did with the older vessel.
According to officials, the new craft will burn 30 per cent less fuel, has better communication capacity, and a longer life span than the other vessel used by the department.
The Arapaima is essentially responsible for the management and regulation of shipping and other maritime activities within the country’s waters. This includes everything from port management and the enforcement of safety regulations to maritime security and environmental protection.
Also, with the ever-expanding oil and gas sector in Guyana, marine traffic has increased and as such, the boat was purchased to support this growing sector.
Speaking at the commissioning of the boat, President Irfaan Ali said that it stands as testimony to the government’s commitment to modernise the marine capability since it is the backbone for trade particularly as the economy is expanding at a rapid pace.
“Guyana’s economy is expanding at a rapid pace. The supply chain is being stretched as a result of this expansion, including the need to provide goods and services to the oil and gas sector. The economic transformation of Guyana cannot be realised without the transformation of its maritime sector”, he said.
On that note, Ali insisted with the new ports and greater demand for goods, the pilot boat will signal a start of expansion. On the other hand, however, he noted that with the increasing oil exploration out at sea, the need for supervision also becomes more important.
Notwithstanding, the president observed this was just a drop in the ocean in terms of what is needed for the sector and assured that the government will ensure that the development continues.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who has responsibility for the sector, said that sea traffic has increased and there is need for development to match this. He explained that daily the Demerara River channel accommodates many ships, and these vessels must be directed safely in and out of the channel and the number continues to increase yearly.
He noted that in 2021 there were 2,513 ships requiring pilotage, last year that number increased by more than 300 and we have already surpassed last year’s numbers to date.
“This is further evidence of the important role the maritime industry plays in the economic growth and development of our country, and with this increasing amount of maritime traffic and commerce taking place, it’s crucial that we have effective systems to ensure that everything is running smoothly and safely, with the latter being paramount and this is precisely why this vessel was acquired.” Edghill added.
Ten persons were also trained and certified in the operation of the vessel and another of this class of vessel is on stream to be purchased to meet the demand.
