Guyana/Suriname Ferry faces sailing ban over safety deficiencies
August 11 2026
The M.V. Canawaima could be barred from sailing from August 14 unless outstanding safety and technical deficiencies are addressed, as Guyana and Suriname engage in discussions to resolve the issues affecting the cross-border ferry service.
The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) issued a final ultimatum to Canawaima Management Company N.V., stating that the ferry will face an absolute sailing ban from midnight on August 14, 2026, if the outstanding deficiencies remain unresolved.
The directive follows an initial notice issued on July 26, which required the company to submit an action plan within one week.
However, an on-board re-inspection conducted by MAS on August 5 reportedly found that most of the previously identified deficiencies had not been addressed.
The Surinamese authority has given the company a final opportunity to submit a comprehensive corrective action plan outlining timelines for resolving the defects, carrying out major repairs and scheduling the vessel’s mandatory dry docking.
Among the requirements are the presence and readiness of all legally required safety equipment, certified firefighting equipment and fully operational fire detection and suppression systems.
MAS is also requiring all crew members to possess valid Basic Safety Training and Crowd Management certificates. Personnel without certification must provide proof of enrolment in the required courses and complete the training within one month.
An independent accredited ship surveyor must also inspect the vessel’s hull and cofferdams to verify their watertightness. A positive survey report would be required for consideration of any temporary exemption from mandatory dry docking.
MAS has stressed that the ferry will remain grounded until all requirements for safe operation have been satisfied.
Meanwhile, the Guyanese delegation of the CANAWAIMA Ferry Service Inc. and CANAWAIMA Management Company Joint Venture said it has been engaging its Surinamese counterparts in recent days in an effort to reach a swift resolution.
The Guyanese side reaffirmed its commitment to the Joint Venture agreement and to maintaining a safe, efficient and seaworthy ferry connection between Guyana and Suriname.
It also clarified the responsibilities assigned under the agreement, noting that Guyana is responsible for supplying fuel, lubricants and batteries for daily operations, while Suriname is responsible for routine maintenance and dry docking of the vessel.
The developments come as authorities on both sides work to address the safety concerns and prevent further disruption to the ferry service.
See full statement below:
“Deadline issued for M.V. Canawaima ferry over safety deficiencies; Guyana says engaging in diplomatic talks
The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) has issued a final ultimatum to Canawaima Management Company N.V., warning that the M.V. Canawaima will face an absolute sailing ban effective August 14, 2026, at 00:00 unless outstanding safety and technical shortcomings are urgently addressed.
According to an official letter dated August 7, 2026, addressed to the company’s terminal manager in Southdrain, Nickerie, the directive follows a previous notice sent on July 26, 2026, which instructed management to submit an action plan within one week. A subsequent on-board re-inspection conducted by MAS on August 5, 2026, revealed that a majority of the previously identified safety deficiencies remained unresolved.
The maritime authority, as reported by GFC Niews, has now granted a final opportunity for the company to submit a comprehensive plan of action. This submission must detail a precise timetable for eliminating all noted defects, executing required major repairs, and scheduling the vessel’s mandatory dry docking.
Under these mandates, all legally prescribed safety gear must be present onboard and ready for immediate deployment, alongside fully certified firefighting equipment and an operational fire detection and suppression system. Furthermore, all crew members are required to hold valid certificates in Basic Safety Training and Crowd Management, while any uncertified personnel must submit written proof of course enrollment with a requirement to complete their training within one month. Additionally, an independent and accredited ship surveyor must conduct a comprehensive inspection to verify the watertightness of the vessel’s hull and cofferdams, as a positive survey report remains a prerequisite for any temporary exemption from mandatory docking. MAS emphasized that safety remains paramount, warning that the ferry will remain grounded until every condition for safe maritime transport is completely satisfied.
In response to reports emerging from Suriname, the Guyanese delegation of the CANAWAIMA Ferry Service (CFS) Inc. and CANAWAIMA Management Company (CMC) Joint Venture (JV) confirmed by way of a statement it has actively engaged Surinamese counterparts over recent days to reach a swift resolution. Reaffirming its commitment “to the letter and spirit of the Joint Venture signed between Guyana and Suriname,” Guyana emphasized its dedication to maintaining a safe, “efficient, and seaworthy” transport link between the two nations. The Guyanese authorities also clarified the specific operational division outlined in the Joint Venture agreement, noting that Guyana is responsible for supplying all fuels, lubricants, and batteries required for daily ferry operations, while Suriname is contractually responsible for the vessel’s routine maintenance and dry docking.”
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