Govt inviting Expressions of Interest to salvage sunken MV Barima

The Guyana Government, through the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, is inviting qualified and experienced marine salvage contractors to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for the salvage of the Motor Vessel Barima, which capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast exactly two weeks ago.

In the advertisement published today, MARAD explained that the MV Barima is a passenger and cargo ferry of approximately 38.6 meters length overall, 8.9 meters beam and 2.9 metres depth, registered in Georgetown, Guyana and fitted with twin Caterpillar C18 diesel main engines and Caterpillar diesel generator sets.

According to the Department, the vessel is presently lying as a wreck, in water depths of about 13-15 metres (42-49 feet).

“Visibility at the wreck site is poor and strong currents and tidal streams may be encountered at times, necessitating suitably robust procedures and equipment for safe operations… The Contractor must propose methods and sequences for all stages of the operation,” the ad detailed.

To this end, MARAD is seeking reputable salvage companies with a proven track record of successful vessel salvage operations in Guyanese or wider Caribbean waters, particularly environments characterised by strong currents and restricted visibility.

Interested and suitably-qualified companies are invited to submit an EOI containing, at minimum, corporate profile, including ownership, principal place of business and years of operation in marine salvage. Evidence of relevant experience over the last 5-10 years, including a track record of successful salvage operations in the region with a brief description of location, depth, vessel type and size, method used, and client references are also required.

Moreover, proposals must include a description of the proposed technical approach for the MV Barima salvage with emphasis on the measures to protect and document forensic evidence for use by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was set up to probe the tragedy. Additionally, companies are asked to specify environmental protection measures.

Other details required from interested firms include: outline of key personnel and equipment to be deployed; indicative-timeline to commence and complete operations; ability to stow the salvaged vessel upright on a barge for several weeks; confirmation of capacity to operate under “no cure, no pay” or other commercial agreements; and statements regarding insurance coverage, health, safety and environmental management systems and compliance with Guyana’s maritime, procurement and occupational safety regulations.

Proposals are expected to be submitted electronically in PDF format to: procurement@marad gov.gy no later than close of business on Friday, 14 August 2026. MARAD says late submissions may not be considered.

Following review of EOIs, MARAD reserves the right to shortlist firms and issue a detailed Request for Proposals / Tender Document, including technical specifications, site data, contractual conditions and commercial terms, to selected companies only.

The Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry and MARAD do not bind themselves to accept any Expression of Interest and reserve the right to annul the process or re-advertise at their sole discretion.

MV Barima was en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) with 179 people onboard, when it capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast on the night of Saturday, July 18.

While at least 76 persons survived the horrific boat accident, 73 persons have been confirmed dead and another 30 are still missing. Efforts to reposition the sunken vessel, which is lying on the seabed about nine miles off the Essequibo Coast, were futile and the Government had committed to engaging the families of those missing persons on whether to salvage the vessel or declare the location as a memorial site.