The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) says that North-West District commuters are expected to benefit from significantly shortened travel time when the MV Barima returns to operation in about two weeks following more than a year of rehabilitation.
A release from MPI today said that the MV Kimbia will also be out of dock soon following extensive repairs. Both vessels went into dock in November 2015.
The information about the ferries was relayed to Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, by the contractor, Courtney Benn of Courtney Benn Contracting Services Ltd., during a recent visit to the docked ferries.
During her visit of the MV Barima, MPI said that Ferguson expressed concern for the maintenance of the vessel following undocking and assurances were given by officials of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) that maintenance would be a priority.
Works included the replacement and repair of underwater fittings, including the propellers and rudders; scraping and painting of the hull and installation of two main engines. The ferry also benefited from improved safety in the form of 250 new life jackets and the addition of fire extinguishers. The project cost was $150.6M.
The contractor said that the travel time with MV Barima is expected to be reduced by as much as 50 percent following undocking. He too emphasised that, while the engines are faster and performance will be improved, maintenance was important
The works for the MV Kimbia include general docking; servicing and repair of underwater fittings; painting of the hull; installation of zinc panels and painting of its interior and exterior.
Marcelene Merchant, General Manager of T&HD, said that she was also satisfied with the works being executed and said that stringent policies will be put in place to ensure the necessary maintenance works.
