See below the full statement issued:
On November 16, 2024, Guyana Port Inc. (GPI) officially commissioned their new 4M Damen Cutter Suction Dredger during a ceremony held at their Lot 12 Support East Bank Demerara facility. The event marked a significant milestone in Guyana’s maritime sector, with the state-of-the-art dredger set to enhance dredging activities and maintain critical waterways.
The commissioning ceremony featured remarks from prominent attendees, including the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, who highlighted the critical role of waterways in Guyana’s trade.
He stated, “The movement of goods via waterways is growing rapidly, with 80% of goods being shipped due to reduced costs and higher volume capacity. This dredger is essential for maintaining river channels to accommodate larger vessels, which will lead to increased shipments, lower costs, and expanded opportunities for imports and exports. I encourage the private sector to explore the investments happening in our maritime sector as we continue to modernise and transform Guyana.”
Minister Edghill while speaking also highlighted the Government’s plan to build out traditional sectors such as agriculture, maritime and infrastructure as we work together to build out a sustainable Guyana.
Pritipaul Singh Jr., Managing Director of GPI, emphasised the strategic importance of the new investment, stating, “This investment is a significant step towards establishing Guyana as a regional hub for expanded shipping operations. It reinforces our commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure to meet growing demands.”
The Damen Cutter Suction Dredger 350 features a robust and efficient design, ideal for high-quality production with low maintenance. Its capabilities include precise dredging operations that will ensure Guyana’s waterways remain navigable and support the country’s growing economic activities. The acquisition was facilitated by the Damen Shipyards Group in the Netherlands, a long-standing partner of GPI. Speaking on this partnership, Bram Van Der Plas, Area Manager for the Caribbean at Damen Shipyards Group, noted, “We are proud to collaborate with GPI in this transformative project. This dredger is a testament to our strong partnership and shared vision for Guyana’s maritime future.”
Other speakers included Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chairman of the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce, who commended the investment as a step toward regional collaboration, and Mr. Joan Nadal Sastre, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Guyana, who reiterated the EU’s support for infrastructural development in the region.
As Guyana positions itself as a key player in the maritime industry, the addition of the Damen Cutter Suction Dredger 350 underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through strategic investments.
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