(Kaieteur News) – The Maritime Authority of Suriname (MAS) has issued a final ultimatum to Canawaima Management Company N.V., warning that the M.V. Canawaima ferry faces an immediate sailing ban starting 14th August, 2026, at 00:00 hours, unless outstanding technical and safety shortcomings are resolved.

The directive, outlined in an 7th August, letter reported by GFC Nieuws, follows a 26th July request for an action plan based on an earlier vessel inspection. A follow-up inspection on 5th August revealed that the majority of identified deficiencies remained unaddressed. MAS is requiring a detailed action plan with a precise schedule for resolving all issues, executing major repairs, and dry-docking the vessel.

By 13th August, there must be full presence and operational readiness of all legally required safety equipment, as well as inspected, fully functional firefighting systems ready for immediate deployment. All crew members must possess valid Basic Safety Training and Crowd Management certificates, or provide written proof that training will be completed within one month and an independent, accredited ship surveyor must assess the hull’s watertightness and cofferdams. A positive survey report is required before any temporary exemption from mandatory dry-docking will be considered.