Guyana is advancing plans for a maritime infrastructure
overhaul, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali confirming that a
feasibility study for the Berbice Deepwater Port is underway in
partnership with engineering firm Bechtel and oil major Hess
Corporation.
'We're now working with Bechtel to have the study completed, and
we've already committed to sharing the expense with Hess
Corporation to have the full design of that facility,' Ali stated
at the Shipping Association of Guyana's business mixer, as quoted
by OilNOW.
The deepwater port is designed to increase shipping capacity,
reduce freight costs, and position Guyana as a major trade and
logistics hub connecting South America and the Caribbean. The
initiative coincides with legislative efforts to introduce a Modern
Port Act aimed at transforming the country's maritime legal
framework to meet international standards.
Ali outlined plans to establish an independent Port Authority
that will operate separately from political influence, ensuring
professional management of port operations and regulatory
oversight. Currently, Guyana's maritime sector operates under
legislation including the Shipping Act (1998) and Maritime Zones
Act (2010), administered by the Maritime Administration Department
(MARAD).
The president highlighted that these reforms are essential as
oil-driven trade volumes place increasing pressure on existing
infrastructure. Plans also include deepening Demerara Harbour to
accommodate larger vessels.
The overhaul comes at a crucial time, with Guyana’s exports projected to triple by 2030.
This ambitious maritime expansion reflects Guyana's broader
strategy to leverage its newfound oil wealth for economic
diversification. However, the success of these infrastructure
projects will depend on sustained investment flows and effective
execution, as the country seeks to establish itself as a regional
logistics hub while managing the challenges of rapid economic
transformation.
© 2025 bne IntelliNews, source Magazine
