Pilot launch commissioned to boost port performance

Fleet modernisation strategy

SEYCHELLES: Launched as part of the Seychelles Ports Authority’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme, the pilot launch vessel, Payanke joined her sister vessel at the SPA Port during an official inauguration attended by the Minister of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Veronique Laporte last week.

The new pilot launch will support the daily operational activities of the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) and will also assist during national search and rescue operations when required.

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, David Bianchi, highlighted that the investment will significantly improve port operations by enhancing the overall effectiveness of pilotage services.

Minister Veronique Laporte, together with Louna Dine, one of the Authority’s longest-serving female employees, had the distinguished honour of officially inaugurating Payanke with the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne along the vessel’s side.

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.

Named the sister vessel of Zirondel, which was launched last year, Payanke represents another important addition to the Authority’s ongoing fleet modernisation strategy.

Also present at the ceremony were the Principal Secretary for Ports ad Civil Aviation, David Bianchi, Chairperson of Seychelles Ports Authority, Charles De Clarisse, Board Members of SPA, Chief Executive Officer of SPA, Pierre Prosper, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority, Capt Daniel Adam, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SPA, Mr. Ronny Matatiken, Harbour Master of SPA, Captain Jean-Paul Fanchette, and staff of the SPA.

Built in Turkey

Both the Payanke and her sister vessel, the Zirondel were built by Lloyd Shipyard in Turkey. The aluminium vessel is built to handle the demanding open-water conditions of island port operations while remaining agile enough for close-quarters manoeuvring alongside deep-draft vessels.

The full-aluminum 5083-series construction delivers a lightweight, corrosion-resistant hull with a shallow draft optimised for the tidal and depth variations common to island harbours. Twin Cummins QSL9 main engines, each producing 450 hp at 2,100 rpm through fixed-pitch propellers, provide reliable performance across a cruising range suited to extended inter-island pilot station duties.

PHOTO: The Payanke on the water. (Source: Lloyd Shipyard)

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