Guyana and Suriname Race to Restore Suspended Corentyne Ferry
Suriname's maritime authority pulled the Guyana Suriname ferry from service on 22 August, cutting the only road link between the neighbors. Officials say repairs are nearly done, but no restart date has been set. The post Guyana and Suriname Race to Restore Suspended Corentyne Ferry appeared first on The Rio Times .
The Guyana Suriname ferry, a vital crossing between Moleson Creek in Guyana and South Drain in Suriname, has been out of service since 22 August 2026. The ferry, operated jointly by Canawaima Ferry Service Incorporated of Guyana and Canawaima Management Company NV of Suriname, spans the Corentyne River and is the sole official road link between the two countries.
Despite Suriname's maritime authority ordering the MV Canawaima out of operation in July 2026, citing safety concerns such as missing life rafts, life buoys, life jackets, and an emergency radio, the ferry continued to run for a week before a new survey revealed significant corrosion and further deemed it unsafe to sail. Guyana and Suriname continue to disagree on the necessary repairs, with Guyana arguing that the vessel could remain operational for about three months, while Suriname insists on immediate attention to certain issues.
The dispute has prompted Guyana to open an alternative route for travelers, using small boats, which carry risks including drownings. The formal restart of the ferry is expected to be delayed due to scheduled dock maintenance on 31 August 2026. The Guyana-Suriname Chamber of Commerce has called for clarity, a timeline, and structural reforms to address weak management, alongside the issue of exorbitant fees imposed on cargo vessels using the river.
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