MV Barima to sail again after engine repairs

What this source establishes

The earliest official record in this manifest of the MV Barima's mechanical problems and of the government's stated plan to replace it. Minister Edghill announced the vessel would resume service after engine repairs and said the administration had 'accelerated' procurement of a replacement North West vessel funded by India. The release documents a 2021 government position that the Region One route needed a new ocean-going ferry, with a $2.6B contract already awarded and an 18-month delivery timeline. That timeline expired years before the 2026 disaster while the Barima remained in service.

Official statement recorded in this source

Pre-disaster official record of the government's stated intent to replace the North West vessel: the administration had "accelerated the work to get the new vessel for North West, which is being funded through the Government of India."

Key claims

• The MV Barima was scheduled to resume operations on Friday evening following engine repairs.
• Minister Edghill addressed 69 affected passengers at the Transport and Harbours Department wharf.
• Edghill: "We have engaged MACORP and I have been getting reports on what is happening."
• The Board Chairman personally intervened to expedite repairs.
• Edghill said the administration has "accelerated the work to get the new vessel for North West, which is being funded through the Government of India."
• A $2.6 billion contract was awarded to Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers Limited for a new ocean-going ferry, with an 18-month delivery timeline.
• The government saved $588 million on the award; savings to fund new stellings at Morawhanna, Kumaka, and Port Kaituma.

Quotations

• “We have engaged MACORP and I have been getting reports on what is happening.”— Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works
• “accelerated the work to get the new vessel for North West, which is being funded through the Government of India”— Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works

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