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# [MAURITIUS / SEYCHELLES] Oil & Gas in the Indian Ocean: Mauritius and Seychelles Launch Historic 396,000 km² Seismic Survey
- URL: https://businessoi.media/en/maurice-seychelles-petrole-et-gaz-dans-locean-indien-maurice-et-les-seychelles-lancent-une-campagne-sismique-inedite-sur-396-000-km2-en/
- Published: 2026-08-12T08:42:51.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-12T08:42:51.000Z
- Description: Mauritius Cabinet approved on July 28, 2026 a seismic campaign over 396,000 km² of the Mascarene Plateau. Mauritius and Seychelles are exploring oil, gas and mineral potential with French firm Viridien under a multi-client model.
- Author: Emmanuel TAOCHY
- Tags: Maurice, Seychelles, Économie, Investissement, Flash de mi-journée, #en

On July 28, 2026, the Mauritius Cabinet of Ministers approved the launch of a major seismic campaign over the Mascarene Plateau — a **396,000 km² Joint Management Area (JMA)** shared with Seychelles. The objective: map the seafloor to assess potential reserves of oil, gas, and mineral resources across this vast stretch of the Indian Ocean.

## A Strategic Bet — Ten Years in the Making

The project traces back to 2012, when the United Nations recognized the joint management rights of Mauritius and Seychelles over this underwater plateau. A first tender launched in 2016 yielded no results. French firm **Viridien** (formerly CGG Services) has now been retained to conduct the seismic surveys under a « multi-client » model: costs are shared between the two governments and potentially interested oil companies, significantly reducing financial exposure for each party.

## No Confirmed Discovery — But a Strong Signal

No reserves have been officially identified at this stage. The seismic campaign is aimed solely at gathering geological data to evaluate « potential oil and gas reserves ». This is a preliminary — and costly — exploration phase, well ahead of any drilling decision.

The political signal, however, is clear. By validating this project, the Mauritian government confirms its intention to develop the **blue economy** beyond tourism and fisheries: seabed mineral and energy resources are now part of the island's strategic equation.

## Why It Matters

For both Mauritius and Seychelles, the stakes go well beyond prospecting. A confirmed discovery of exploitable resources would radically transform the economic profile of both archipelagos, providing revenue to fund diversification away from tourism-dependent models. The bilateral cooperation also signals a maturing Indian Ocean regional diplomacy built around maritime resource governance.

The multi-client model chosen is also a message to major oil companies: both nations intend to develop their maritime space in an orderly fashion — attracting investors while retaining sovereignty over collected geological data.

*Sources: Wazaa FM, Seychelles News Agency, Defi Media Group — July-August 2026*