“Praslin Express” to compete “Qat Coco” is here

The catamaran “Praslin Express 1” , a ferry competitor  to “Qat Coco”  on the daily Mahe-Praslin passenger service, is here and being spruced up at the Mahe inter-island terminal, to begin her journeys on March 1 .  This will also allow her to undergo survey by the port authorities.

The catamaran is not new, having been built in Japan several years ago, before being purchased by Praslin boat-owner Alain Adrienne, reportedly with Malaysian partners. It underwent extensive refurbishments in Malaysia before being towed to Port Victoria where it arrived last weekend.

Adrienne already owns the flat bottomed cargo vessels “Praslin Wave” and “Praslin Dolphin” used to transport building materials to the outer islands.

The catamaran which has a seating capacity of 200, will, this newspaper has learnt, have just one class and rate. That is unlike the “Qat Coco” where there are three fares and differing rates.

It is now berthed at the inter-island quay alongside the “Praslin Wave” but will soon have new berthing next to the inter-island “Seypearl”.

The vessel has been fitted out with  reclining  seats purchased from a dis-used aircraft with ash-trays, though smoking will not be permitted on board.

The “Praslin express 1” will soon have a sister vessel to serve the Praslin-La Digue route providing more competition to other operators.

February 15, 2008
Copyright 2007: Seychelles Weekly, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles