Canawaima breaks down days after safety clearance

Aug 23, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Just days after clearing a critical safety inspection by the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS), the MV Canawaima has been hit by fresh technical difficulties, forcing an immediate, temporary suspension of the cross-border ferry service between Guyana and Suriname.

The suspension was announced in a public notice issued on 22^ndAugust,2026, by Terminal Manager Deyne Harry. According to the management of Canawaima Ferry Service Inc., the vessel was grounded after technical issues were detected on board.

“Management is working assiduously to have these issues resolved at the soonest possible time,” the official release stated, adding that the public will be notified once operations are set to resume. Management also expressed regret for the disruption to travel and commerce along the Moleson Creek–South Drain transit corridor.

Canawaima breaks down days after safety clearance

MV Canawaima

The sudden disruption marks a swift turn of events following assurances provided earlier this month. On 14^th August, Harry confirmed that the vessel had passed a follow-up inspection conducted by MAS after Surinamese authorities addressed key maintenance deficiencies.

That regulatory intervention stemmed from an August 7 letter from MAS, which issued a final ultimatum warning of an immediate sailing ban starting 14^th August unless safety and structural shortcomings were rectified. Outstanding issues had included mandatory crew certifications, functional firefighting and safety gear, and verified hull watertightness.

Under the long-standing bilateral joint venture agreement, Suriname holds operational responsibility for the maintenance and dry-docking of the vessel, while Guyana supplies all fuel, lubricants, and batteries. Harry previously noted that while maintenance has historically lapsed on the Surinamese side, Guyanese authorities stepped in during recent discussions with MAS and the Board of Directors in Suriname to establish minimum operational requirements and preserve the vital transport link.

Despite successfully averting the initial regulatory shutdown, the latest technical breakdown underscores the ongoing operational vulnerabilities facing the vessel.

Passengers and commercial operators seeking further updates are advised to contact the Canawaima Ferry Service terminal at telephone number 654-1104.

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CANAWAIMA, cross-border ferry service, Maritime Authority Suriname, safety clearance

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