New bunker spot for regional traffic

Marine fuelling station inaugurated

SEYCHELLES: In a move that underscores the Republic of Seychelles intentions to develop its ocean economy, the president, Wavel Ramkalawan, officially inaugurated the Eve Island Marine Fuelling Station on Praslin on Friday morning, marking a significant milestone in the enhancement of maritime infrastructure across the inner islands.

The newly commissioned facility is set to bolster critical support services for the fisheries sector and marine transportation in the region. It is expected to play a pivotal role in stimulating economic activity and supporting livelihoods on Praslin and surrounding islands – and aligns with the national agenda to modernise key infrastructure to strengthen services in vital economic sectors.

Redirected ships traffic facing instability in the Red Sea over the last 18 months has already benefited the bunkering aspirations of Mauritius, and it seems that the Seychelles is also hoping to see their ship come in.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Petroleum Company (SEYPEC), Sarah Romain emphasised the strategic importance of the fuelling station in reinforcing maritime logistics and providing reliable fuel access to Praslin’s fishing fleet and commercial vessels.

As the Minister responsible for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Principal Minister Jean-François Ferrari, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the government’s continued commitment to infrastructure development in support of the sustainable growth of Seychelles’ blue economy.

Ferrari praised the close collaboration between SEYPEC and government stakeholders that led to the timely and successful completion of the project.

The Chairman of the Praslin Fishermen Association, Darel Green, noted that the facility would significantly improve operational efficiency and alleviate longstanding fuel access challenges currently being faced by the local fishing community.

After the official unveiling, guests witnessed the symbolic fuelling of the first vessel, Eloy, jointly carried out by President Ramkalawan and SEYPEC’s Director of Operations and Technical, Ray Hoareau.

Following the ceremony, President Ramkalawan toured the Praslin Depot, where he interacted with staff and greeted crew aboard the maritime tanker Seychelles Paradise, currently berthed at Ile Eve.

In keeping with tradition, the President signed an LPG composite cylinder—a customary gesture for dignitaries visiting the depot—and conveyed words of encouragement and appreciation to the SEYPEC Praslin team.