-by NaAsia Bristol

The maritime sector in Guyana continues to grow with vessel traffic expanding by over 40 percent in the past five years.

This was highlighted as Guyana hosts the 31st Caribbean Port State Control Conference, attended by maritime officials.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar says vessel traffic in Guyana has increased by 42 percent since 2020, while imports have grown from approximately 42,000 to 150,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units annually. 

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

But alongside that growth comes new challenges.

Indar warned that rising shipping costs and imported inflation are placing pressure on people across the region.

He noted that cargo volumes have increased significantly, but shipping capacity has not kept pace.

“Imported inflation coupled with increased transportation costs only harm the collective, harm the household, harms the poor. Imported inflation is something that we have to be watchful. When oil prices skyrocket, everything goes haywire. People suffer,” the minister lamented.

Despite these challenges, Government remains focused on transforming Guyana into a regional maritime hub. Indar says President Irfaan Ali has tasked the Ministry with modernizing ports, strengthening maritime infrastructure and improving digital management systems to support future growth.