Gov’t signs US$11.2M contract to dredge Demerara River channel

The Government of Guyana on Tuesday signed a US$11.2 million contract with Boskalis for the dredging of the Demerara River channel from Houston to Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara.

The contract was signed between the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and Boskalis CPG Inc. during a ceremony attended by Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar.

According to the ministry, the project will cover approximately 9 kilometres of the navigational channel and will involve dredging to a width of 100 metres and a depth of five metres over a two-month period.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Indar said the initiative follows consultations with stakeholders in the shipping industry, who highlighted the need for additional dredging along the Demerara River to improve maritime operations.

Once completed, the dredging works are expected to improve access for shipping vessels using the Demerara channel, enhance port efficiency, and support the smoother movement of goods and services.

Permanent Secretary Vishal Ambedkar, along with senior officials from MARAD and representatives of Boskalis CPG Inc., also witnessed the signing ceremony.