Our Legal Framework
The Seychelles Ports Authority is a state-owned enterprise established under the Seychelles Ports Authority Act, 2004, which was amended in 2024. As a state-owned enterprise, the Authority has a responsibility to also report to the Public Enterprises Commission, who provides a framework of governance, operations, performance monitoring and financial oversight of public enterprises.
Seychelles Ports Authority (Stevedoring and Terminal Handling Charges) Regulations is a subsidiary legislation exiting under the Seychelles Ports Authority Act, which sets out the maximum charges for the operations and services carried out within the port for Stevedoring and Terminal handling.
With the Amendment Act in 2024, SPA has additional powers to:
(a) acquire premises necessary or convenient for the exercise of its functions and for that purpose buy, take on lease or exchange, hire or otherwise acquire immovable property and interests, rights, concessions, grants, powers and privileges in respect of such property;
(b) buy, take in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire movable property necessary or convenient for the exercise of its functions;
(c) maintain, alter or improve property acquired by it;
(d) mortgage or charge any assets or part of any assets, sell, exchange, lease, dispose of, turn to account or otherwise deal with any assets or part of any assets which are not required for the exercise of its functions for such consideration as the Board may determine;
(e) draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue for the purposes of its functions promissory notes, bills of exchange, bills of lading, securities and other negotiable or transferable instruments;
(f) insure against losses, damages, risks and liabilities which may be incurred;
(g) make contracts and enter into suretyships or give guarantees in connection with the exercise of its functions and modify or rescind such suretyships or guarantees;
(h) enter into, renew, cancel or abandon arrangements with any government or authority, local or otherwise, that may seem conducive to the exercise of any of its functions and obtain from such government or authority, rights, privileges and concessions;
(i) establish and administer such funds and reserves not specifically provided for in this Act as the Board may consider appropriate or necessary for the proper exercise of the Authority's functions;
(j) pay remuneration and allowances and grant leave of absence;
(k) construct dwellings, outbuildings, or improvements for use or occupation by its members of staff on land purchased, taken on lease, in exchange or otherwise acquired by the Authority;
(l) provide such services and facilities as the Board considers proper and charge for such services and facilities such fees as the Board may determine;
(m) grant leases, subleases or other interests or concessions in respect of land or buildings within the Port and its environs on such terms and conditions and subject to the payment of rent or other consideration as the Authority may think fit;
(n) grant loans to employees of the Authority for purposes approved by the Authority;
(o) provide training for employees of the Authority;
(p) generally do anything that is calculated to facilitate, or is incidental or conducive to, the exercise of the Authority's functions under this Act or any other law.
The Harbour Act and its subsidiary regulations also falls under the purview of the SPA. The Harbour Act enables the Minister to make regulations in regards to:
(a) (i) the control of traffic in the harbour, of wharves, landing places quays, buoys, lighters, small craft, plying boats, motor boats employed in the harbour for the transport of persons and goods, and the tariff for such boats;
(ii) the prohibition, control and regulation of persons and goods entering or leaving the Port Security Area;
(b) the use of pilots;
(c) (i) the control of vessels loaded with petroleum or explosives;
(ii) the landing of explosives, petroleum and other dangerous goods;
(iii) the landing of cargo;
(iv) the berthing, mooring and departure of ships;
(d) pilotage, towage, anchorage, light and other dues to be paid in respect of any vessel entering or leaving the harbour;
(e) rates for the supply of fresh water to any vessel in the harbour;
(f) generally for carrying any of the purposes of this Act into effect.
All the above are mainly covered for in the Harbour Regulations and the Harbour (Port and Harbour Dues) Regulations.
As a port authority, SPA is required to comply with the below laws, conventions and best practices:
Domestic
· Seychelles Ports Authority Act, 2004, amended by Seychelles Ports Authority (Amendment) Act, 2024
· Public Enterprises Commission Act, 2023
· Public Finance Management Act, 2012
· Public Procurement Act, 2008
· Merchant Shipping Act, 1994, amended by Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2014 and Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2019
· Business Tax Act, 2009
· Customs Management Act, 2011, amended by Customs Management (Amendment) Act, 2017
· Value Added Tax Act, 2012
· Income and Non-Monetary Benefit Tax Act, 2010, amended by Income and Non-Monetary Benefits Tax (Amendment) Act, 2017 and Income and Non-Monetary Benefits Tax (Amendment) Act, 2022
· Employment Act, 1995, amended by Employment (Amendment) Act, 2020, Employment (Amendment) Act, 2021 and Employment (Amendment) Act, 2022
· Occupational Safety and Health Decree, 1978
· Public Health Act, 2015, amended by Public Health (Amendment) Act, 2021
· Environment Protection Act, 2016
· Land Registration Act, 1967
· Physical Planning Act, 2021
· Civil Code of Seychelles Act, 2020
· Commercial Code Act, 1977
· Control of Rent and Tenancy Agreements Act, 1959
· Data Protection Act, 2002
· Electronic Transactions Act, 2001
· Harbour Act, 1982
· Maritime Zones Act, 1999
· Pensions Act, 1933
· Seychelles Pension Fund Act, 2005
· Road Transport Act, 1936
· Public Debt Management Act, 2008
· Anti-Corruption Act, 2016 and its amendments
· Stamp Duty Act, 1976
· Cybercrimes and other related crimes Act, 2021
International
· International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) - International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
· International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974) - International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code , International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution
· Prevention (International Safety Management (ISM) Code)
· Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS PROT 1978)
· Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS PROT 1988)
· International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (LL)
· Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (LL PROT 1988)
· International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG)
· International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping for Sea Farers (STCW)
· United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS)
· Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL)
· International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), 1979
· International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (TONNAGE 69)
· Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO)
· International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969 (CLC)
· Protocol of 1992 to amend the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969 (CLC PROT 1992)
· Protocol of 1992 to amend the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971 (FUND PROT 1992)
· Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA 1988)
· Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms located on the Continental Shelf (SUA PROT 1988)
· International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC 1990)
· International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (BUNKERS 2001)
· International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Substances on Ships, 2001 (AFS 2001)
· International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM 2004)
· Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 (Nairobi WRC 2007)
SPA Management
Mr. Pierre Prosper – Chief Executive Officer and Ex-Officio Member of the Board
Mr Pierre Prosper is a seasoned shipping, trade, and finance professional with extensive experience across commercial shipping, yacht agency, and port operations. With a strong track record in fleet management, chartering optimisation, and maritime investment, he brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight into the role of Chief Executive Officer. Mr Prosper holds an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University – CASS Business School in London, as well as a Master of Physics (MPhys) in Theoretical Physics from the University of Wales, Swansea. His professional strengths include shipping investment and finance, chartering strategy, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Mr. Ronny Matatiken – Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Mr Ronny Matatiken is a distinguished maritime security and operations professional with extensive experience of maritime domain awareness, port security, and strategic operations coordination. With a strong record of accomplishment in capacity building, information sharing, and operational command, he brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Mr Matatiken holds an MSc in Intelligence and Security from the University of Metropolitan London and John Moore University. His professional strengths include maritime law enforcement, hydrography, intelligence and counterintelligence, as well as human resources and financial management.
Captain Jean-Paul Fanchette – Harbour Master
Captain Jean-Paul Fanchette is a Class 1 Master Mariner with a proven track record in port and marine operations. He was appointed as the Harbour Master in August 2024 after serving over one and a half years as Deputy Harbour Master. Captain Fanchette holds a First Class Honours Degree in Nautical Science. He has extensive experience with the German Tanker Shipping (GTS), sailing petroleum tankers owned by the Seychelles Petroleum Company (SEYPEC). His last role was that of Master of the fleet of SEYPEC tankers. As Harbour Master, as stated in the SPA Act, Captain Fanchette is ultimately responsible for the enforcement of Port Regulations within the port and harbour limits, and for the management of all port facilities owned by the SPA.
Captain France Savy – Deputy Harbour Master
Captain France Savy, is a Class 2 Master Mariner with extensive experience sailing on SEYPEC owned tankers operated by the GTS. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science. His last role with GTS was that of Second Officer on petroleum tanker MT Seychelles Prelude before he moved on to the role of First Officer on several prestigious superyachts. Captain Savy was appointed in the role of Deputy Harbour Master in August 2024 after serving as the Marine Operations Superintendent since November 2023. His responsibilities as Deputy Harbour Master include overseeing marine operations, port facility security, pilotage, and compliance with international maritime regulations.
Dr. Egbert Moustache – Special Advisor to the CEO
Dr Egbert Moustache is a finance and administration professional with over 3 decades of experience. He was appointed as the Special Advisor to the CEO in March 2024. Dr Moustache's extensive career includes serving as the Deputy CEO of the SPA between 2018 and 2024 and as the former Director of Finance at the East Central Southern African Health Community Secretariat. Dr Moustache holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Business Administration. As the Special Advisor, Dr Moustache advises and supports the CEO and oversees the project to implement a Port Community System and Maritime Single Window, the Port Victoria Management System (PVMIS).
Mr. Lynze Marimba – Director Strategic Business Development
Mr Lynze Marimba joined SPA in June 2024 as Director Business Development and was subsequently took up the role of Director Strategic Business Development in 2025. He brings over 15 years of experience in the maritime industry, with extensive knowledge and expertise in shipping and maritime logistics. He holds an MBA in Maritime Business Management from Middlesex University in collaboration with Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, as well as a Diploma in Maritime Business Management from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. As Director Strategic Business Development, Mr. Marimba is responsible for leading SPA’s strategic growth agenda, including strategic planning, business development initiatives, investment opportunities, market intelligence, commercial development, and the strategic management of SPA’s property portfolio.
Mr. Franky Laporte – Director for Projects and Infrastructure
Mr Franky Laporte joined SPA in 2004 as a Project Manager at its inception, after serving more than a decade, rising through the ranks to become Principal Traffic Engineer at the Department of Land Transport. He has a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering and has undertaken numerous courses in Port Management and Port Engineering. Mr Laporte’s role is one that is instrumental to SPA, which includes oversight of new port development projects and, maintenance and upkeep of port facilities and SPA premises. Mr Laporte is now heading SPA’s biggest project, the Port Victoria Rehabilitation & Extension Project.
Mr. Nicholas Sinon – Director for Port and Technical Operations
Mr Nicholas Sinon joined SPA in August 2020 as a Technical Specialist in the Harbour Master's Office. He was subsequently promoted to Director of Marine Engineering and later assumed the responsibilities of Port Management. Mr Sinon is a seasoned Chief Engineer with a Master's Degree in Chief Engineer Management and extensive experience as a Chief Engineer Unlimited Class 1 with GTS on petroleum tankers owned by SEYPEC. He also holds a Diploma in Port Management. Mr Sinon's responsibilities encompass ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of all port facilities, as well as the maintenance and operational readiness of marine assets such as tugboats and pilot boats.
Ms. Margaret Bonne – Director for Human Resources and Corporate Services
Ms Margaret Bonne joined SPA in May 2026 as the Director for Human Resource and Administration. She holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Administration, as well as a Diploma in Labour Studies. With over 15 years of experience in human resource management and administration in the public sector, she has built extensive expertise in strategic human resource management, organisational development, employee and industrial relations, policy implementation and corporate administration. As Director for Human Resource and Administration, Ms Bonne provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Authority’s human resource and administrative functions. She is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies and policies, overseeing workforce planning, talent management, employee relations and administrative services, while ensuring these functions effectively support the Authority’s operational requirements and strategic objectives.
Mr. Mark Brassel - Director for Finance
Mr Mark Brassel joined SPA as Finance Director, bringing over 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, corporate governance, and strategic leadership across both the public and private sectors. Throughout his career, he has held a number of senior finance and executive management positions, where he has successfully led financial strategy, budgeting, treasury management, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, and organisational improvement initiatives. Mr Brassel holds professional qualifications in accounting and finance and has undertaken continuous professional development in financial management, corporate governance, leadership, and strategic management. As the Finance Director, he is responsible for the overall financial management and stewardship of SPA. He also plays a key strategic role in advising Executive Management and the Board on financial sustainability, investment decisions, corporate governance, and initiatives that support the Authority's long-term strategic objectives and operational excellence.
Mrs. Estelle Alexis – Legal Advisor
Mrs Estelle Alexis is a highly qualified legal professional with Bachelor and Master’s degrees specialising in maritime and business law. She was appointed in the post of Legal Advisor in October 2022. She has extensive experience providing legal advice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry for the Blue Economy and Ministry for Transport. Mrs Alexis’ primary responsibility is managing SPA’s extensive portfolio of legal risks, as well as reviewing and drafting legislations pertaining to the SPA. Mrs Alexis is also Secretary to SPA’s Board.
Mr. Brian Charlette – Director for Internal Audit
Mr Brian Charlette boasts a total of 22 years in internal audit and 13 years in public debt management. Before joining SPA in 2018, Mr Charlette was the Director General of the Debt Management Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning. A post he had held since 2005. Prior to this, he had been the Senior Internal Auditor and Deputy Chief Internal Auditor with the same Ministry, undertaking audits of all government ministries and departments. In his current role, he provides independent, objective assurance to the Board of the effectiveness of SPA’s governance structures and internal controls.
Mr. Jim Moncherry – Port Security & Facility Officer
Mr Jim Moncherry is in charge of SPA’s Security Department with the key role of ensuring that international port facilities meet the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). He was promoted in this role in August 2024 after serving 4 years as the Security Manager in the same department and undertaking key trainings in ISPS implementation and for the role of Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO). Mr Moncherry worked for more than 12 years in the Public Health Sector as a certified public health professional before moving to public administration then joining SPA in 2020.
Ms. Rajelle Barbe – Port Environment, Sustainability, Health and Safety Manager
Ms Rajelle Barbe heads the recently created section that ensures that SPA monitors and manages the impact of port operations on the environment, society at large and on the safety of port workers. Initially, she joined SPA as the Environment and Social Impact Manager for the Port Victoria Rehabilitation & Extension Project. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and has over 7 years’ experience working on environment projects funded by the United National Development Programme.
Mrs. Christina Moncherry – Procurement Manager
Mrs Christina Moncherry is a procurement professional with a strong track record in the public sector. Currently serving as the Procurement Manager since 2018, she is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Public Procurement Act and its regulations. Mrs Moncherry's career in purchasing and procurement spans over two decades. Prior to joining SPA, from 2014 to 2018, she served as the Purchasing Manager at the Seychelles Trading Company. Before that, she was the Procurement Manager at the Public Utilities Corporation from 2010 to 2014. She holds a Certificate in Public Procurement and a Certificate in Quality Management Systems, Implementation & Audit. She also has a Diploma in Purchasing & Supply. Mrs Moncherry is currently pursuing a Master in Business Administration.
Mr. Lenin Thyroomoody – Information Technology Director
Mr Lenin Thyroomoody joined SPA in August 2025 as Director Information Technology. He brings over numerous years of experience spanning over 19 years in areas including IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, network engineering, IT governance, digital transformation, and enterprise operations. Mr Thyroomoody holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing from Anglia Ruskin University (UK) and maintains several professional certifications in networking, cybersecurity, Microsoft technologies, and IT governance. As the Director for Information Technology at SPA, he is leading the modernisation of port operations through digital platforms, cybersecurity enhancement, and enterprise-wide technology transformation.
Mr. Dean Zelime – Deputy Director Projects & Infrastructure
Mr Dean Zelime joined the SPA in August 2012 as a Trainee Technician and has steadily progressed through the organisation to his current role as Deputy Director – Projects and Infrastructure. Throughout his career at SPA, he has developed extensive experience in port infrastructure maintenance, project planning, and the development of maritime facilities. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Harbour, Coastal and Offshore Engineering from Hohai University, China, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialising in Project Management from Infrastructure University Malaysia. As Deputy Director – Projects and Infrastructure, Mr Zelime is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of the Seychelles Ports Authority's infrastructure projects.
