Dutch maritime solutions provider Koole Contractors has started a wreckage removal project in the Demerara River, the Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported. The firm was hired by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to remove three separate wreckages under a $787.6 million contract that was signed early last month between Director General at MARAD, Stephen Thomas and Koole Contractors’ representative, Janneke Kuijper.
“These wrecks present have hindered and, I would say, restrict more or less, the manoeuvering of vessels within the harbours or in close proximity to the harbours,” Harbour Master (ag) Glasford Archer was quoted as saying by DPI. Archer said there were attempts to remove the wreckages in the past but they were unsuccessful. He expressed optimism that the company will be successful in making the waterway much safer.
