The Europe West Indies Line (EWL) which has provided freight service for containerised cargo between Europe and Guyana filed for bankruptcy on Monday.

In a press release, John Fernandes Limited, the agent for EWL said it received “a communication” from the president of EWL stating that it had done its utmost to turn the business around “However, the sharply increased costs, especially the most recent rise in bunker prices, made it impossible for us to continue independently.” EWL has served the Caribbean for 22 years.

John Fernandes said it had been further advised that EWL is currently negotiating with a number of carriers to take over their service to and from the Caribbean. The negotiations are expected to conclude shortly and a further release on the alternative service will be announced by Tuesday.

Meanwhile, John Fernandes said every effort is being made to facilitate the safe delivery of cargo currently in transit and to reduce the delays which may be incurred as a result of this development. The company asks the public to exercise patience in the light of these circumstances.