Dutch firm secretly invited by Govt. among three bidders for MV Barima salvage

(Kaieteur News) – B.K. International Inc. has submitted the lowest offer among three bidders vying for the contract to retrieve the wreck of the MV Barima, which capsized off Castle Flats, Essequibo Coast on nearly two months ago.

The tender opening took place on September 8, 2026, under MARAD file reference number 211/2026/34. The salvaging work is structured strictly on a “NO CURE NO PAY BASIS,” ensuring the chosen contractor will receive payment only upon the successful recovery of the vessel.

According to documentation seen by this publication, figures unsealed at the tender opening show B.K. International’s proposal undercut its local and international competitors by hundreds of millions of dollars. B.K. International Inc. offered a bid of $1,034,000,000 with a bid security of $15,600,000 backed by NAFICO. Industrial Fabrication Inc. offered a bid of $1,895,000,000 with a bid security of $28,500,000 backed by Premier. Netherlands-based firm KMS B.V. offered a bid of USD $2,035,100,000 with a bid security of USD $136,691 backed by KBC Bank.