President meets local shipping agent and Spanish ship owners |08 March 2021

The delegation in a souvenir photograph with President Ramkalawan

President Wavel Ramkalawan welcomed a delegation from local shipping agent, Seaward Company (Pty) Limited and two international companies, Albacora, S.A. and Inpesca, S.A for a meeting at State House on Friday morning.

Also present was the Designated Minister, Jean-François Ferrari, who is also the Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy.

The meeting was an opportunity for the delegation to brief President Ramkalawan on the current status of their operation as Spanish tuna purse seiners.

Other topics raised included challenges hindering their activities particularly while continuing to operate despite the global Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are grateful for all the support and sacrifice by the whole fleet in continuing to operate. The fisheries sector has been the country’s lifeline throughout this global health crisis and we are grateful to all the vessels and crews,” said President Ramkalawan.

The meeting was an opportunity for the delegation to discuss with the head of State potential consideration for a vaccination programme for the fleet of 42 vessels. As front liners ensuring the fisheries sector continues to thrive, the crew on board often work in close proximity and have access to port and ground services.

Discussions also centred on potential new areas of cooperation where the ship owners can further assist Seychelles with maritime resources such as a vessel either for use during maritime training or for research purposes.

Also present at State House for the meeting was the general manager of Seaward Company (Pty) Limited, Selwyn Edmond; general manager Stevedoring Seaward Company (Pty) Limited, Robert Etienne; Seaward Company official Lyderic Chetty; representatives of Albacora, S.A., Patxi Sistiaga, Roman Bengoiechea; and representatives of Inpesca, S.A., Guillermo Arrien and Jon Ander Etxebarria.

Press release from State House