What’s sleek, powerful, and now calling Port Victoria home? The newest addition to the Seychelles Ports Authority’s (SPA) fleet! In a bit of maritime pageantry, the brand-new tugboat sailed into Port Victoria this afternoon, turning heads as it was escorted by its fellow tugs, Mamelles and Alouette. Talk about a VIP entrance! The iconic Ste Anne even joined in with a spectacular water-spray salute as the new tug glided past the Lighthouse monument.
So, what’s the big deal about this tug? Well, for starters, it’s the latest in maritime technology, equipped with an impressive Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) system. Measuring 21.02 meters in length, with a beam of 10.81 meters and a draft of 4.5 meters, this powerhouse can hit a speed of 12 knots and has a bollard pull of 50 tonnes. In other words, it’s small but mighty, and it’s here to make SPA’s port operations even smoother.
The timing of this arrival couldn’t be more perfect. It’s all happening just as SPA celebrates its 20th anniversary, which was marked on October 14th, 2024. With the addition of this state-of-the-art vessel, SPA is proving that it’s all about “Facilitating Progress”—a fitting motto for an authority that keeps moving forward.
The new tug is now the fourth in SPA’s growing fleet, joining its siblings, with Mamelles being the most recent addition last year. But don’t get too attached to calling it “the new tug” just yet—its official name will be unveiled at a special ceremony on October 29th at the Mahé Quay. Expect some fanfare, as key government officials and port stakeholders will be on hand to mark the occasion.
Stay tuned—this tug might just become the star of Port Victoria’s fleet!
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