In a concerted effort to bolster port security and shoreline protection, a comprehensive port security seminar has opened in Georgetown, Guyana. This five-day training session, conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and DIRECTEMAR Chile, will equip coast guard and law enforcement officers with advanced skills to enhance port surveys and safeguard Guyana’s vital maritime interests.
The seminar, hosted at the Coast Guard Training Centre in Kingston, Georgetown, began on Oct. 2 with a focus on addressing the critical need for port security in Guyana. Captain Stephen Thomas, Director General of MARAD, emphasized the significance of providing advanced training to individuals responsible for ensuring the nation’s port security.
“These efforts are not only about more cameras and higher fences and more hardware, but the most important aspect for us is having properly trained port security personnel,” stated Director General, Captain Thomas, during the opening ceremony.
Captain Thomas further highlighted that Guyana’s reliance on maritime trade, accounting for approximately 90% of the country’s trade, underscores the paramount importance of port security. Additionally, fulfilling international obligations further amplifies the necessity for a robust and well-trained port security apparatus.
Captain Pablo Ferrada of Chile stressed the relevance of this initiative in light of Guyana’s ongoing economic transformation. He emphasized that the seminar would not only enhance port security but also foster stronger ties between Guyana and Chile.
“This seminar is an exceptional opportunity for mutual learning, experience sharing, and strengthening our capacities in port security. Through strategic reflection and dialogue, I hope that together we can identify and overcome challenges and threats in our sector,” Captain Ferrada underscored.
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The port security conference is a pivotal component of World Maritime Week, celebrated under the theme ‘Marpol at 50’.
Since oil production began in 2019, Guyana’s marine traffic has increased exponentially, and MARAD has been working to ensure that security at the ports is strengthened.
Back in 2021, the Georgetown Port saw an average of 52 ships per week, up from seven before oil production. That was with just the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel in operation. A second oil platform – the Liza Unity – has been added. Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil, has already brought in the Payara FPSO, slated to start producing soon, and will bring in the Yellowtail FPSO in 2025. These will bring even more support vessels to Guyana and more work for MARAD.
