‘North West ferry’ to soon set sail from India, will reduce travel time by half

The construction of the new North-West District, Region One passenger and cargo ferry – MV Ma Lisha – has been completed and will soon set sail for Guyana.

This 70-metre-long vessel, with a speed of 15 knots, is expected to cut the travel time from Georgetown to the North West in half. The two vessels currently plying the route take about 24 hours.

MV Ma Lisha was constructed to the tune of US$12.7 million and was officially launched on Wednesday in Kolkata, India at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) yard.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, his wife Joan Edghill. along with other government officials attended the launch. The vessel will also be inspected and tested by Edghill.

“With a current top speed of 15 knots, it will cut the travel time by half, three wharves where this vessel will be docked are being constructed to accommodate the feature of a roll on roll off type,” Minister Edghill said during brief remarks.

The vessel is designed to carry 294 passengers, 14 vehicles, two fully-loaded trucks, 10 containers and also includes a refrigerated area. It has the capacity to carry 250 tonnes and complies with all international regulations.

Minister Edghill said such vessels are needed for transportation in Guyana’s waterways.

“Credit is certainly due for GRSE for having completed so much work on the ferry in such a short time.

“I am sure it will provide great service to the people of Guyana and Region One (Barima-Waini) in particular,” Edghill related.

Edghill said the construction of the ferry will aid in further building the relationship between Guyana and India.