Gambian President Adama Barrow on Monday inaugurated a new hybrid green ferry for the crossing of the estuary between the capital Banjul and the seaside town of Barra.
The maritime corridor linking the two halves of mainland Africa’s smallest country, connects with overland routes leading to the rest of West Africa.
The ferry built in a shipyard in the Netherlands was recently received by the transport, works, and infrastructure ministry and is reputed to represent the country’s gradual transition to eco-friendly transport with a view to reducing caron footprints.
President Barrow inspected the new ferry named Barra at the Barra Ferry Terminal Garage, describing its acquisition as a pivital milestone in the history of Gambian maritime transport which for the most part still relies heavily on vessels powered by conventional engines.
The Gambian leader told thousands of people who had trooped to witness the ferry’s launch said a sustainable operational regime to support such a huge investment cannot be overemphasised.
He said the ferry services should prioritise cost minimisation, maintenance and customer service.
Powered by a combination of fuel generators and a battery-assisted solar panel technology to reduce emissions, Barra is the first of its kind in the country’s aging maritime transportation fleet.
The remaining ferries before it in the fleet use standalone fuel-powered engines.
Barra can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and north of 50 vehicles at any given time.
In recent months, the ferry transportation services’ aging fleet has been withdrawn for routine maintenance including the Kunta Kinteh ferry which was commissioned in 2017.
Following its launch Barra could be deployed in the waters straddling Banjul and Barra in the coming days.
The Gambia Ferry Services described its addition to the current ferry fleet as ”a significant milestone for our maritime transport system and the communities that depend on it”.
The ceremony was attended by pomp and ceremony as Gambia’s kora music heavyweight Jaliba Kuyateh provided a titilating backdrop to the commisisoning which attracted thousands of people including government officials.
The ferry’s acquisition was facilitated by an African Development Bank (AfDB) grant to ”significantly enhance transportation between Banjul and Barra, providing commuters with a more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly travel experience” said the Gambia Ferry Service in a statement shortly before its inauguration.
It said the government is irrevocably committed to strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure, green mobility, and economic opportunities.
WN/as/APA