Milestone celebrated for island port authority
SPA celebrates 20th anniversary
SEYCHELLES: The Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) proudly celebrated their 20th anniversary this month by hosting a Thanksgiving Ceremony to honour the pivotal role that the authority has played since 2004 in transforming the nation’s ports into a remarkable maritime and logistics hub.
Founded with the vision of modernising and expanding the country’s port infrastructure, SPA has grown from overseeing a handful of maritime facilities to managing a network of ports across the country. Under its stewardship, the nation’s shipping efficiency and capacities have grown exponentially and its main terminal now handle masses of containers annually.
The Thanksgiving Ceremony, led by Deacon Aubrey Pon-Waye, rallied together Board members, management and numerous staff members of the Authority
The ceremony began with an opening remark from the Chief Executive, Sony Payet who expressed gratitude for SPA’s continued success spanning over the two decades. Reflecting on this milestone, CEO Payet also underlined the importance of remaining grateful and appreciative of all those who have dedicated years of service and hard work.
The Seychelles Defence Forces’ National Brass Brand was also present to accompany the melodic hymns and chants during the ceremony and several long-serving staff members received blessings from Deacon Pon-Waye as well for their outstanding commitment and perseverance in the line of duty.
SPA officially inaugurated their new tug, Silwet, this week after taking delivery of her earlier this month. According to the Seychelles News Agency, the new tugboat was purchased at a cost of $6,3 million and is equipped with an Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) system.
It has an overall length of 21.02m, a draft of 4.5m, and a beam of 10.81m. Additionally, it has a bollard pull of 50 tonnes and can reach a maximum speed of 12 knots.
SPA also hosted a delegation of European Union ambassadors and member state ambassadors this month where they outlined the ongoing Port Victoria Rehabilitation & Extension Project (PVREP).
Discussions on possible collaboration between Sweden and Seychelles Ports Authority for a more sustainable port ensued by Caroline Vicini, Ambassador of Sweden to Seychelles. Meetings have already been initiated the EU representatives, the Ministry of Transport and SPA in that regards.
PHOTO SOURCE: Seychelles Ports Authority FaceBook page
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