KINGSTON - Manager of the Moleson Creek Canawaima Ferry Service, Louise Williams has projected that there will be an increase in the number of passengers utilizing the ferry service which travels between Suriname and Guyana, this year.
Last year, the total number of passengers moved by the MV Canawaima amounted to 120,000, a decrease of 8.8 percent in comparison to 2014, in which the company recorded 132,000 passengers utilizing the service.
The Manager also noted that there was a 2.5 percent decrease in the amount of vehicles transported by the Canawaima in 2015.
Speaking at a recent conference, Williams outlined that a number of marketing strategies are in the pipeline to boost the output of the vessel.
She noted that the marketing strategy will see an increase in traffic by at least 2 %. According to Williams, the company will also embark on setting up a website as part of this strategy.
There are also plans for the refurbishing and docking of the ferry; various aspects of the boat are set to be upgraded. The Manager also spoke of improving the vessel’s security system. This, she said will include installation of baggage scanners and perimeter lights, which is in keeping with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code.
Williams disclosed that last year the vessel faced a number of challenges such as mutli-failing outside of peak periods, which contributed to the increase in operational cost and restrictions, which were implemented against Guyanese tour operators on the Surinamese end. This, she said also contributed to the decline in the numbers of travelers.
In addition, the MV Canawaima was docked last year for the replacement of plates to the bottom of the boat as well as painting, which was done to areas of the vessel. Williams said a total of $95.1 million was expended on the ferry, an increase of approximately 22 % in comparison to $78.33 million in the previous year.
Despite this, the service recorded a surplus of 84.2 million. She also noted that among the achievements for last year, the Canawaima was able to acquire re-certification from the ISPS.
The company was also able to conduct a number of community projects in the Moleson Creek area and donations were made to several aspects of development in the community.
The Canawaima Ferry Service was established since 1998 to connect travelers en route from Moleson Creek- 10km south of Corriverton- to the South Drain in Suriname. It is the only legal marine travel connection between the two countries.
By 2013, approximately 72,000 persons utilized the Canawaima Ferry Service to travel between Suriname and Guyana. The transport vessel has become an essential partner in trade or tourism.
The Guyana/Suriname ferry service plays an integral role in attracting tourists from the Dutch speaking country, with regards to the commercial and personal tourism.
Additionally, the service has reinforced bilateral trade relations. The service has proven to be a cost effective, efficient and reliable link between the territories. According to recent statistics provided by the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), the Canawaima Ferry Service Incorporated facilitates a significant influx of at least 40,000 visitors from the Dutch territory annually. (Kaieteur News)
