VICTORIA, Seychelles — In a historic first for the Seychelles Petroleum Company, one of its international tankers, the MT Seychelles Prelude, is currently undertaking a major transatlantic voyage with a 100 percent Seychellois crew, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime journey. The crew proudly held the Seychelles flag at Rotterdam, Netherlands, ahead of departure.
The 16-member team, headed by Master Richard Payet, a seasoned mariner and proud son of Seychelles, is sailing from Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, to Quebec and Montreal, Canada, transporting a cargo of gasoline. Allain Asba, head of shipping at Seychelles Petroleum Company (Seypec) evaluates this achievement: ‘This voyage, the MT Seychelles Prelude’s 286th, not only underscores Seypec’s commitment to developing local maritime expertise but also symbolises the culmination of years of investment in training, certification, and mentorship for Seychellois seafarers.’
The achievement is a matter of national pride, demonstrating that Seychellois officers and crew possess the competence and qualifications to operate tankers on the most demanding international routes. The voyage is expected to inspire a new generation of young Seychellois to consider careers in the maritime industry, a sector that has long been identified as a key pillar of economic diversification for the island nation.
