Latest update March 5th, 2026 12:35 AM
Public Works Min. seeking contractors to rehabilitate MV Lisha, Barima & Hercules
(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Public Works through the Transport and Harbours Department is currently seeking contractors to carry out the docking and rehabilitation services of three of its vessels, namely M.V. Lisha, M.V. Barima, and M.V. Hercules.
According to an invitation for bids, the docking and rehabilitation of M.V. Lisha is estimated to cost $199.3 million, M.V. Barima is estimated at $124.5 million, and M.V. Hercules is estimated at $124.2 million.
The tender notice states that bids will be opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office on March 31, 2026. It was reported in the media that these vessels undergo general maintenance so as to ensure safe use on the country’s waterways.
M.V. Ma Lisha
The sum of $11.2 billion was budgeted by the government for the river transport sector in 2026. Out of that amount, $570,000,000 was approved in the National Assembly for the reconditioning of ferry vessels. It was recently disclosed by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill at the National Assembly that the MV Hercules, is a tug boat the government has bought. The boat was brought into operation to ensure there are services being provided to residents of Region Two, Region Three, Wakenaam and Leguan Islands.
According to Edghill, when Hercules was taken on board it was operated by THD staff, but there were some challenges. In this regard, the minister explained that to ensure there was “no real crisis,” the government engaged the operators who were more familiar with the boat, that is Marine Inc. to operate the boat.
This publication understands the government sometime between 2023 and 2024 had bought the MV Hercules from Marine Inc. Edghill responding to the opposition in the National Assembly last month disclosed that they are paying the operator $400,000 per day to operate the boat.
As it relates to MV Ma Lisha, the Indian built vessel first started its operation in August 2023. It currently operates the Region Four to Region One route. Similarly, the cargo and passenger ferry, MV Barima also operates between Regions One and Four.
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