The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) on Tuesday officially commissioned a state-of-the-art tugboat, valued at $790 million, to enhance Guyana’s maritime trade and operational efficiency.
Capable of towing and manoeuvring ships between 10,000 and 20,000 tonnes, the tug is designed for a range of functions, including towing, mooring and pushing operations. The vessel will be manned by a crew of six.
Named the “Arau”, the vessel was built by the Dutch shipbuilding company Damen in partnership with local firm Farm Supplies Limited. It is the second newly built vessel acquired by MARAD since 2020.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill tour the tug vessel (Photo: DPI/July 15, 2025)
The contract for its construction was signed in 2023, and the vessel now joins the national fleet as part of the government’s broader maritime modernisation drive.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, described the acquisition as another milestone in the transformation of Guyana’s maritime infrastructure.
“Guyana’s maritime sector has moved from broken-down boats to a facility that will be able to meet international standards.
“Guyana is not just open for business; Guyana is engaging people who are serious about doing business. We are creating an environment to ensure that when you come here, the standards that should be upheld are in place and will be upheld,” Edghill said.
The state-of-the-art tugboat (Photo: DPI/July 15, 2025)
Prior to the commissioning, the crew received training on how to operate the vessel.
Director General of MARAD, Stephen Thomas, urged the crew to maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
“The vessel will be in your hands, and we expect that you will operate it safely and keep it sailing safely.
“Your job is to make this ship unsinkable,” Thomas said.
Director of Legal Services at MARAD, Thandi McAllister, also emphasised that modernisation extends beyond physical infrastructure.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill commission the tug vessel (Photo: DPI/July 15, 2025)
“Building out the infrastructure is not only physical; it includes the legislative, administrative and financial frameworks to ensure that what we have serving Guyana is a modern, well-equipped and capable maritime department,” McAllister said.
She added that the sector’s development has required vision and commitment, assuring that further progress lies ahead.
The vessel is expected to significantly contribute to safer and more efficient maritime trade in Guyana, reinforcing the government’s commitment to raising industry standards and fostering international partnerships.
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