MV Kimbia returning to north west service after $75m overhaul

What this source establishes

A Stabroek News report on the MV Kimbia's return to North-West service after a G$75 million overhaul, describing her as 44 years old in March 2025 and detailing dry-docking from December 2024 covering engine and gearbox replacement, hull scraping and anode installation. It records the MV Kanawan undergoing similar repairs and expected back within 10 days. It gives the reason the older North-West vessels could not be retired: residents reported the MV Ma Lisha, their designated replacement, was inadequate for the route's cargo demands.

Key claims

• MV Kimbia described as 44 years old in March 2025, implying a build year around 1981
• Received two new engines and gearboxes valued at G$75 million
• Dry-docking from December 2024: engine and gearbox replacement, hull scraping, anode installation
• MV Kanawan undergoing similar repairs, expected back within 10 days
• Residents reported the MV Ma Lisha was inadequate for cargo transport demands

Quotations

• “ease transportation challenges, particularly for businesses and residents reliant on the ferry for the delivery of goods and supplies”

Prior warnings recorded

• Records that residents had previously reported the MV Ma Lisha was inadequate for cargo transport demands given accelerated regional development and increased agricultural activity — i.e. that the vessel designated to replace the MV Barima could not in practice absorb the route's cargo, which is why the 1939 vessel stayed in service.

Vessel facts recorded

• fact: MV Kimbia described as a 44-year-old ferry (implying a build year of about 1981)
• source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2025/03/08/news/guyana/mv-kimbia-returning-to-north-west-service-after-75m-overhaul/
• fact: Received two new engines and gearboxes valued at G$75 million
• source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2025/03/08/news/guyana/mv-kimbia-returning-to-north-west-service-after-75m-overhaul/
• fact: Dry-docking began in December 2024 and included removal and replacement of old engines and gearboxes, hull scraping, and installation of anodes
• source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2025/03/08/news/guyana/mv-kimbia-returning-to-north-west-service-after-75m-overhaul/
• fact: MV Kanawan was undergoing similar repairs and expected back in service within 10 days
• source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2025/03/08/news/guyana/mv-kimbia-returning-to-north-west-service-after-75m-overhaul/

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