Seychelles Petroleum took delivery of a new coastal tanker from Lindenau Shipyard in Germany in October 2009.
The design of the 'Seychelles Paradise' centred around safety, economy and flexibility. The vessel will be used as a provisioning ship, taking oil and LPG around the islands of the Seychelles, and it will also be used as a bunker ship for foreign vessels that stop in Victoria Harbour.
The double-hulled tanker's cargo space consists of 2 x 3 epoxy-coated cargo tanks with smooth surfaces. The stiffeners of the main deck face outward to minimise discharge times and cargo residues.
Different draughts and semi-filled cargo tanks will be a routine part of operations so the vessel has different cargo tank sizes, powerful deck-mounted pumps and a high tank volume to deadweight ratio.
'Seychelles Paradise' has a computer-based cargo monitoring system in the wheelhouse that includes cargo and slop tank level indications using tank radar, cargo temperature and pressure monitoring displays and a draught measuring system with four sensors.
A loading computer is integrated with the cargo monitoring system. It enables the crew to control longitudinal strength and intact and damage stability during loading and discharging. It is possible to pre-plan loading and discharging procedures through simulations that calculate loading conditions.
An integrated bridge system with two anti-collision radar systems in combination with ECDIS provide for safe navigation around the islands.
'Seychelles Paradise' will also be used as a training ship for seamen and ship and machinery officers.
Wendy Laursen