24th June 2025
Seychelles Maritime Academy Celebrates Grand Opening of New Training Quay
The Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) is thrilled to announce the official opening of its new, state-of-the-art training quay! This significant milestone was commemorated on June 24, 2025, in a ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Principal Minister Jean François Ferrari and Her Excellency Olivia Berkeley, the French Ambassador to Seychelles.
This vital project was made possible through funding from the European Union and expertly constructed by UCPS Seychelles. The opening ceremony saw a strong turnout, with representatives from the EU delegation, Principal Secretary of Fisheries Roy Clarisse, Director General Sheriffa Morel, SMA staff, and key stakeholders from the Ocean Sailing Academy, Seychelles Fisheries Authority, and various media outlets.
The new quay will primarily serve as a dedicated berth for SMA’s training vessel, the Virgo II. This addition marks a significant enhancement to the academy’s training capabilities. It will provide easier access for SMA learners, facilitate more regular ongoing maintenance of the vessel, and offer invaluable hands-on experience in essential maritime operations. Students will now be able to practice berthing, unberthing, and mooring operations directly at the academy.
Furthermore, the quay will streamline the management of fish caught during training trips, allowing for more efficient storage with freezers. This new quay is truly a game-changer for the Seychelles Maritime Academy, representing a crucial step forward in providing top-tier maritime education and practical training for the nation’s future seafarers.
