The government of Guinea-Bissau has started the process of purchasing of three new ships to link the archipelago of Bijagos to the country’s mainland, the head of the office of the Secretary of State for Transport and Communications said Wednesday in Bissau.

Cesario Ferreira said five foreign companies had expressed interest in submitting proposals, but noted only three were in Bissau to take part in the “investor conference” to display the characteristics of the ships they sell.

According to Portuguese news agency Lusa, the companies present in Bissau are Portugal’s Atlantic Eagle Shipbuilding (concessionaire of the Mondego Naval Shipyards, in Figueira da Foz), a company from the Netherlands and one from Spain.

Cesario Ferreira said the companies would show the characteristics of vessels that can offer short lead times, delivery conditions, among other things, to then be selected for a shortlist for the tender.

Currently, Guinea-Bissau’s islands are connected to the mainland only by canoe, a situation that the government intends to change, by putting ships into service that can ensure passenger safety.

Guinea-Bissau has over 80 islands, although only about fifteen are inhabited and several area of the country can only be reached by boat. (macauhub/GW)