Deep-water port in Berbice: major US$ 2 billion project in 2026

The plans for the deepwater port in Berbice have received renewed attention following consultations between Guyana’s Private Sector Commission (PSC) and representatives of Cross Boundary Advisory. On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the parties discussed how international investors could be attracted for the development of strategic port infrastructure in eastern Guyana.

During the meeting, the Guyanese business organisation and advisers Jamie McInerney and Alfonso Pereira Calvo discussed the proposed port near New Amsterdam. The project involves, among others, the American engineering firm Bechtel, CGX/NNE and Guyana’s Ministry of Public Works. The discussions focused on cargo flows, financing options and the economic activities that could arise around the port.

The port is intended to better connect Guyana with regional and international trade markets. Consideration is being given to freight transport between Guyana and other Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The possibilities for transporting goods from Brazil via Guyana to international markets are also receiving attention.

Deepwater port in Berbice expected to strengthen regional trade

PSC chairman Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr. emphasised during the consultations the strategic importance of the road connection towards Lethem, near the border with Brazil. In combination with a modern deepwater port, this connection could, according to him, open new trade routes and improve access to regional markets.

Gouveia also pointed to opportunities for Guyanese producers to gain a larger share of the food market of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). According to the PSC, this market represents a value of approximately US$ 1.5 billion.

The idea behind the project is that producers, transport companies and exporters can use improved infrastructure to move goods faster and more efficiently. A deepwater port can accommodate larger seagoing vessels, depending on the final design and the available water depth.

Investment possibly between US$ 1 billion and US$ 2 billion

According to earlier reports by Guyanese media, investment in the proposed port is estimated at US$ 1 billion to US$ 2 billion. The final costs, location and financing structure have yet to be determined.

The Guyanese government has engaged the American engineering firm Bechtel to study the technical and economic feasibility of the project. CrossBoundary Group is also involved in assessing the commercial feasibility and expected demand for port services.

President Irfaan Ali stated on October 26 that the feasibility study is expected to be completed in December 2026. The government then intends to consult interested investors on the next steps.

The deepwater port can develop Berbice into an important gateway for trade between Brazil and the Caribbean.

Among the parties with which the Guyanese government is in contact regarding possible financing are the US Export-Import Bank, UK Export Finance and the Qatar Investment Authority. Their interest does not, however, mean that final financing has been committed.

Financing changed after Chevron’s acquisition of Hess

The development of the port previously faced a change in its financing plans. The American energy company Hess had supported preliminary technical studies, but after Chevron’s acquisition of Hess in July 2025, Chevron decided not to continue financing that research work.

According to Guyanese reports, approximately US$ 4 million had been spent on earlier technical preparations. The loss of further support meant that other financing options had to be sought.

The US Export-Import Bank has since expressed interest in financing a next technical design phase. A final credit agreement has not yet been concluded.

Crab Island and existing port site under consideration

Several locations are being examined for construction. Two possibilities are Crab Island, near the mouth of the Berbice River, and the site where a CGX port facility had previously been proposed.

The final choice depends on factors such as water depth, accessibility for large vessels, required infrastructure, construction costs and commercial prospects.

The spatial layout of the future port area was also discussed during the talks with the PSC. In addition to loading and unloading facilities, consideration is being given to the development of logistical support hubs for offshore activities, data centres and other commercial facilities.

New trade route between Brazil and Guyana

An important part of the economic plans is the connection between the Brazilian market and the Atlantic Ocean. Especially for companies in northern Brazil, a suitable route through Guyana could offer new opportunities.

The road connection towards Lethem is intended to form an important link in this regard. If connections are improved and the port is realised, goods may be exported or imported through Guyana.

Consideration is also being given to the Brazilian industrial city of Manaus. Whether this route will actually become competitive depends on transport costs, travel times, border procedures and the capacity of the future port.

What does the deepwater port in Berbice mean for Suriname?

The plans are also relevant to Suriname because of Berbice’s location near the Corantijn River and the potential development of new trade routes in the border region.

Suriname itself is working on expanding its port infrastructure to support the growing oil and gas industry and other economic activities. Developments in Guyana can therefore offer opportunities for regional cooperation, but at the same time lead to more competition in transport, storage and maritime services.

At the Dr. Jules Sedney Haven in Paramaribo, work is under way, among other things, to expand quay capacity and storage space. Port projects are also being prepared in Commewijne to respond to growing demand from the offshore sector.

Key News previously reported on port developments in Commewijne, where the district administration expects new economic activities and employment.

Infrastructure and cross-border cooperation

Further development of the port in Berbice could also influence discussions on infrastructure cooperation between Suriname and Guyana. Both countries have previously discussed improved connections, economic cooperation and the development of their oil and gas sectors.

In April 2026, discussion arose over the planned Corantijn Bridge after the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for the talks to be temporarily suspended until certain points of dispute had been resolved.

Although the new port plans do not directly depend on a bridge connection with Suriname, improved links between the two countries may be significant for regional cargo flows in the longer term.

Final decision on deepwater port not yet taken

The discussions between the PSC and Cross Boundary Advisory are part of broader efforts to attract international investment to Guyana. This concerns not only financing, but also reliable market information that allows investors to assess the feasibility of the project.

Important questions include how much cargo the port will ultimately handle, which companies wish to use the facilities and what revenue is needed to recoup the investment.

The results of the feasibility study, expected in December, should provide more clarity on the next steps. For Suriname, the main importance remains how growing port infrastructure in both neighbouring countries will affect trade flows and the region’s logistical position.