MV Canawaima ferry suspension disrupts Suriname-Guyana border crossing

The suspension of the MV Canawaima ferry service, which connects Suriname and Guyana across the Corentyne River, has left hundreds of passengers and travelers stranded. The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) imposed the ban following inspections that identified safety concerns, including issues with life-saving equipment and potential steel plate thickness. While technical experts from both nations suggested the vessel could operate for three months pending dry-docking, MAS required immediate remedial action.

In response to the disruption, Suriname and Guyana have implemented a temporary emergency measure allowing travelers to cross via a backtrack route using small boats. Authorities have emphasized that all passengers must still adhere to formal immigration procedures at designated checkpoints, such as Port Moleson Creek and Nieuw Nickerie.

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has called for greater transparency regarding the vessel's status and has urged authorities to invest in a secondary vessel to ensure redundancy and prevent future economic and logistical disruptions. The suspension is impacting businesses, transport operators, and the movement of goods between the two nations.