The Government of Guyana is making the ferry MB Sandaka available to maintain the connection between Suriname and Guyana. From Saturday, 7 November 2026, the vessel will take over the crossing between South Drain in Suriname and Moleson Creek in Guyana from the MV Canawaima, which will be taken out of service for maintenance.
The MV Canawaima will enter dry dock on Saturday for maintenance work. To prevent passenger and freight transport between the two countries from coming to a standstill, the MB Sandaka will be deployed as a replacement vessel. The Government of Guyana announced this on Thursday, 5 November.
According to the Guyanese authorities, the responsible ministers of Suriname and Guyana held consultations on a solution to guarantee the continuity of this important transport connection. The maritime authorities of both countries also cooperated to make the temporary arrangement possible.
The ferry connection between South Drain and Moleson Creek plays an important role in cross-border passenger and freight traffic. By deploying the MB Sandaka, both governments aim to prevent travellers and businesses from experiencing disruption due to the temporary withdrawal of the Canawaima from service.
It is not yet known how long the maintenance work on the MV Canawaima will take and when the vessel will be put back into service. No further details have yet been announced about possible adjustments to the sailing schedule during the deployment of the MB Sandaka.
