VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles Coast Guard officially received a Gun Ship-Type 18.5 metre Patrol Ship, named ‘Andromache’, from the Chinese government in a formal handover ceremony held yesterday morning at its base at Île Perseverance. The event, marked by the hoisting of the national flag during the commissioning, symbolises the strengthening of maritime security and cooperation between Seychelles and China. The ceremony was attended by President Wavel Ramkalawan, Chinese Ambassador Lin Nan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka, Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette and Commissioner of Police Ted Barbe.
The ship is adapted for day and night patrolling and surveillance, as well as high-speed interception in anti-smuggling, light intensity military operation scenarios and for the protection of coastal and offshore waters. It measures 19 metres in length and 3.5 metres in breadth, with a maximum speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, covering a range of 1,000 nautical miles. It can operate continuously for 72 hours, remaining at sea for up to eight days, and is powered by four engines and four propellers, manned by a complement of four officers and 12 sailors.
In his opening address, Major General Rosette stated that the addition of the Andromache patrol vessel marks a significant step in enhancing Seychelles’ maritime security and law enforcement capabilities. Ambassador Lin Nan also acknowledged the broader scope of China-Seychelles cooperation, referring to past naval visits, security assistance, and training programmes aimed at enhancing regional stability.
