The published award record for BK International’s $1.034 billion contract to salvage the MV Barima does not specify a mobilisation or recovery deadline, against the backdrop of calls from bereaved families for a firm timetable.
The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board’s record states that the contract was awarded on October 6 and uploaded the following day.
It identifies the project as the salvaging of the wreck off Devonshire Castle Flats, Essequibo Coast, on a “no cure, no pay” basis. Three tenders were received under national competitive bidding.
The entry does not provide the detailed contract conditions, approved salvage method or criteria for determining successful completion.
Kiskadee Watch previously reported that financial bids were opened on September 8. BK International submitted the lowest bid of approximately $1.034 billion, compared with $1.895 billion from Industrial Fabrication Inc. and $2.0351 billion from Netherlands-based KMS B.V.
The expressions-of-interest process had closed on August 14
Relatives and survivors have since pressed the Commission of Inquiry for clarity on when the vessel will be raised, saying recovery is important both to the investigation and to families whose relatives remain missing.
At a meeting in Port Kaituma, some questioned BK’s experience in raising sunken vessels, while others said they wanted the company to proceed without further prolonged delay.
Kevon Thomas, whose brothers Kyle and Brian were aboard the vessel, called for a definite recovery date. Kyle’s body was recovered, but Brian remained missing, according to the account carried by Kiskadee Watch.
Relatives also stressed the importance of examining the wreck for evidence about the sinking and recovering remains for burial. Their questions about the contractor’s expertise were concerns raised at the meeting, rather than findings about its capacity.
The MV Barima sank on July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Public evidentiary hearings into the disaster opened on October 14.
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