Photo of the new ferry
By Makutu Manneh
The Gambian government has contracted engineers from Damen Shipyards Group to provide long-term technical training for staff of Gambia Ferry Services, following the arrival of the country’s new environmentally friendly ferry, Transport Minister Ebrima Sillah said.
Speaking on Gambia Radio and Television Services, Mr. Sillah said the Dutch shipbuilding company’s engineers will remain in the country under a one-to-two-year contract to support the training and capacity building of ferry personnel.
The minister explained that the newly delivered ferry, named Barra, is designed with hybrid technology that distinguishes it from older vessels in the national fleet.
“This ferry is different from others because it does not only depend on fuel; it also uses solar energy and battery systems that help power the engine,” Mr. Sillah said.
According to the minister, the vessel can carry up to 2,000 passengers and 27 vehicles. However, when vehicle numbers are high, passenger capacity will be reduced to about 1,200. The ferry is also equipped with four to five restroom facilities, he added.
Mr. Sillah said the government is also exploring ways to diversify ferry routes to ease traffic pressure on the main Banjul-Barra crossing.
“To diversify the route, we are also looking at the possibility of establishing another ferry link from Bonto to Banjul,” he said, noting that the connection could significantly reduce traffic from Brikama, Kombo East, and Foni heading into the capital.
Earlier this year, Gambia Ferry Services announced that it had sent a team of engineers, electricians, and captains to the facilities of Damen Shipyards Group in the Netherlands for specialized training on the green ferry ahead of its delivery to the country.
The ferry service said the training was intended to equip its technical staff with in-depth knowledge of the vessel’s systems and components. Officials say the initiative is expected to lower long-term operational costs by reducing the need to rely on foreign technicians for routine maintenance and technical support.
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