Maritime sector sees rapid growth with 42 % rise in vessel traffic – Indar

Guyana’s maritime sector has experienced significant expansion since 2020, with vessel traffic increasing by 42 percent and imports more than tripling during the period, according to Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar.

Speaking on Wednesday, Indar highlighted the sector’s rapid growth, driven by increased economic activity and expanding offshore operations.

“From 2020 to date we have seen vessel traffic increasing by 42 percent.

“We have seen imports rise three fold from about 42,000 TEUs per annum to close to 150,000 TEUs per annum now, and that growth is strong and it will continue over the next two decades,” Indar disclosed.

Providing an update on Guyana’s maritime oversight activities, Indar revealed that in 2025 the country conducted 12 physical port state inspections and vetted 286 vessels through its online clearance system, including those operating in collaboration with offshore oil blocks.

He was at the time addressing the 31st Annual Caribbean Port State Control conference.

Indar said the expansion presents significant opportunities for Guyana but also places greater demands on maritime authorities to ensure safety, efficiency and environmental protection.

“This growth represents opportunity. It places greater responsibility on authorities to maintain high standards of maritime governance, environmental stewardship and operational excellence,” he said.

Over the past decade, Indar said the Caribbean Port State Control regime has undergone considerable transformation through increased digitisation, stronger integration with international systems and more structured inspection practices.

“We hate to see vessels ground, vessels sink because of failed inspection and boats, ships, whatever it is, went out into the ocean and put lives at risk,” Indar said, underscoring the importance of rigorous oversight and compliance measures.

He credited collaboration with international partners for strengthening the effectiveness and continued relevance of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU), while noting that the region has recorded improvements in adherence to international maritime standards.

He added that participation in regional workshops and structured training programmes continues to improve the capabilities of personnel within the Maritime Administration Department.

Looking ahead, Indar said Guyana is continuing to modernise its maritime infrastructure through the expansion of its logistics framework and the implementation of digital port management systems to support future growth.

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