Guyana moves to next stage of MV Barima salvage operation
Key Points(5)
- The Guyana government has moved to the next stage of efforts to salvage the MV Barima , with expressions of interest from specialized marine salvage contractors now set to be evaluated before a contractor is selected.
- (Ret.) Mark Phillips said the government will assess the proposals and determine which contractor will be invited to negotiate a contract for the recovery operation.
- "Today's the day bids come in.
- Then, they have to go through the bids.
- They have to do evaluation and then determine who will get the contract.
The Guyana government has moved to the next stage of efforts to salvage the MV Barima, with expressions of interest from specialized marine salvage contractors now set to be evaluated before a contractor is selected.
Prime Minister Brig. (Ret.) Mark Phillips said the government will assess the proposals and determine which contractor will be invited to negotiate a contract for the recovery operation.
"Today's the day bids come in. Then, they have to go through the bids. They have to do evaluation and then determine who will get the contract. Then we negotiate the contract," Phillips said at a press conference Friday.
The salvage process was initiated by the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation through the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), which invited qualified marine salvage contractors to submit expressions of interest for the vessel's recovery.
The MV Barima capsized and sank on July 18 off Guyana's northwestern coast and is lying in approximately 13 to 15 meters of water.
Authorities have confirmed 72 deaths, while the vessel is estimated to have been carrying about 179 people when the disaster occurred.
The salvage operation is expected to present significant technical and logistical challenges.
Prospective contractors are required to demonstrate relevant marine salvage experience, technical expertise, equipment, personnel and appropriate safety and environmental management systems.
Proposals must also address the preservation and documentation of evidence that could be relevant to the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the disaster.
The successful contractor will additionally be required to demonstrate the capacity to recover the vessel and maintain it in an upright position on a barge for several weeks following the salvage operation.
The government is expected to evaluate the submissions before selecting a contractor and entering negotiations for the salvage work.
