The 7th May 2026 marked another proud milestone for the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) with the official inauguration of the Authority’s new pilot launch, Payanke, held at Mahe Quay, New Port. The new addition to SPA’s marine assets measures 15.20 metres in overall length, with a maximum draught of 1.9 metres and a gross tonnage of 25 tonnes.
In his address, the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr David Bianchi, highlighted that this investment will significantly improve port operations by enhancing the overall effectiveness of pilotage services, thereby reinforcing SPA’s role as a key enabler of trade and economic activity in Seychelles.
The Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Ms Veronique Laporte, together with Ms Louna Dine, one of the Authority’s longest-serving female employees, had the distinguished honour of officially inaugurating Payanke by breaking a bottle of champagne along the vessel’s side – a longstanding maritime tradition symbolising good fortune and safe voyages ahead.
The ceremony continued with a blessing by Father Eric Leon, followed by a short tour into the approach channel, giving invited guests the opportunity to experience the new pilot launch firsthand.
Also present for the occasion were the Chairperson of the SPA Board, Mr Charles De Clarisse; Vice Chairperson Mrs Audrey Francis; members of the SPA Board; the Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Mr Pierre Prosper and Mr Ronny Matatiken respectively; the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA), Capt. Daniel Adam; representatives of the Seychelles Coast Guard; as well as management and staff of the Seychelles Ports Authority.
