Guyana is actively working to clear wrecks from its waterways in order to improve navigation as the number of ships servicing the emerging oil sector continues to rise. Since 2023, more than 14 wrecks have been removed, with plans to clean three more in the coming months, weather permitting. The country’s ports were previously considered unsafe due to shipwrecks from the 1960s littering the rivers and harbor.
The oil discoveries in Guyana have transformed the nation from one of South America’s poorest countries to a future top crude oil producer. By 2027, Guyana is projected to pump more crude oil per person than Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, and is on track to surpass Venezuela as South America’s second-largest oil producer after Brazil. As part of this transformation, efforts to clean up wrecks in the waterways will allow for the widening and deepening of channels in the busiest thoroughfares, the Demerara River and Berbice River.
In addition to the wreck cleanup, Guyana is also updating nautical charts to ensure the safety of ships navigating its waters. This includes preventing ships from coming into contact with submarine cables and the gas-to-shore pipeline. With a significant increase in activity off the coast, the country is prioritizing the prompt and accurate surveying of its maritime areas to maintain safety and efficiency.
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