-Ramjattan

A new $118 million vessel being constructed for the Prison Service by the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC) is expected to be completed by the end of November, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said yesterday. Ramjattan paid a visit to the GNIC wharf on Lombard Street, where the Twin Screw Passenger-Cargo Vessel is currently under construction. The project commenced in May, 2017. Ramjattan told reporters that he inspected the vessel to ensure that there is proper transportation for prisoners and produce for prisoners on the Essequibo River. He pointed out that while the Prison Service used to contract private vessels to transport prisoners, officers and supplies, they will now have their own vessel. “…It is important that assets are being given to the various units: the police, fire and now the prison… And the GNIC seems to be doing an extremely good job. I am not an expert but having gone in there, it seems they are doing a good job,” he added. When completed the boat is expected to be able to hold a maximum of 60 prisoners along with 20 staff above the main deck, and carry approximately 60 tonnes of cargo below the main deck. According to a GNIC statement on the project, the vessel has been designed for harbour and riverain service in Guyana. “It contains three watertight bulkheads which divides the hull in four compartments. The vessel will be designed with a free running speed to not less than minimum 12 knots. It will be fitted with two Perkins Diesel Engines developing about 500HP,” it said. “Additionally, the vessel will be steel welded in construction and will be of ABS Classification Standard. There will be transverse framing throughout, spacing and Engine Room according to design as well as transverse watertight bulkheads continuous from keel to deck to form forepeak, cargo hold, engine room and steering gear compartment. There will also be two rudders to be designed and fitted to give maximum steering efficiency for a vessel of this type,” it added.