Government Resets Port of Victoria Development with Public-Private Partnership Strategy
VICTORIA, Seychelles — At a recent press conference, Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation Veronique Laporte announced a major reset of the long-delayed Port of Victoria development project. After years of stagnation, bureaucratic hurdles, and mounting financial losses, the government is abandoning its traditional international loan model in favour of a bold public-private partnership strategy led by local enterprise.
The redevelopment of the Port of Victoria, one of the region’s oldest and most critical maritime hubs, has been stalled for over a decade. Minister Laporte announced three key decisions to break the deadlock. The government has mutually and cordially agreed with the European Union to cancel the existing loan agreement. The Seychelles Ports Authority was losing significant capital under the previous arrangement. Substantial fees and land costs were being paid on a partly disbursed loan with no clear progress on the ground.
A primary driver of the project’s stagnation was the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, which was waiting indefinitely for international ESIA compliance models while money trickled down. The minister stated that as Minister, she cannot accept spending money with no clear way forward. The government has decided to explore other financial arrangements to support the development using resources available right here in Seychelles.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the ministry, working with the SPA and Ministry of Finance, will launch a fast-tracked re-tendering process, overseen directly by the Minister’s office. The tender covers not only construction but also a full operational overhaul. The selected operator will implement a multi-phase modernisation programme including construction of a new quay, rehabilitation of the ageing quay, and marine works including deepening of the approach channel and turning basin to accommodate larger vessels.
Technological and logistical modernisation will include installation of at least two fixed shore cranes for modern gearless container vessels, digitised logistics and warehouse management systems to replace inefficient ground-stacking, and a green strategy to transition port operations towards environmentally sustainable practices under SPA oversight. The minister stressed the importance of governance frameworks to shield major projects from political influence.
The mid-June formal tender will open internationally for Expressions of Interest, with bids accepted from Seychellois companies, international firms partnering locally, or joint ventures. The primary operating entity must be a local company. Final selection will be reviewed by the Tender Board in November or December, with construction and engineering works expected to begin in January.
