There will be increased competition for inter-island ferries on both the Mahe-Praslin and Praslin–La Digue routes, when a new operator starts business early next year.
The new operator is Alain Adrienne, owner of the two landing crafts “ Praslin Dolphin “ and “ Praslin Wave”, used mainly for transportation of building material to the outer islands.
His latest acquisitions are two catamarans, currently undergoing renovations. For this new venture, Adrienne will be competing against “ Cat Coco 2” owned by Mr Joe Albert on the Mahe-Praslin run and the “ Cat Rose” of Mr William Rose for Praslin-La Digue. The two catamarans, will be smaller that the new “Cat Coco2” which has a 350 seating capacity, of which 142 in the economy class.
Word of the new arrivals has reached the ears of Mr Albert, who is responding by launching a promotion of “Buy ten tickets and get one free”, as well as discounted rates for company staff.
The new operator will probably be cheaper than existing vessels. The markets are very captive ones and except for festive occasions, Mr Albert is already finding it hard to fill the 350 seat vessel. But, being a stubborn man with a big ego, he has reportedly promised to pour millions of UCPS’s money into the fray to ensure that he stays top.