On 6 August 2026, the Seychelles Cabinet approved a Multi-Client Seismic Survey Agreement with Viridien, in partnership with Mauritius. The two island nations are set to jointly explore over 400,000 km² of the Mascarene Plateau in search of potential oil and gas reserves.
A 50/50 Joint Management Zone
The Joint Management Area (JMA) established between Mauritius and Seychelles is among the first of its kind globally: two sovereign states co-managing their extended continental shelf. Under the framework agreement, all future revenues will be split equally between Port Louis and Victoria. The seismic survey carries no direct cost to Seychelles — expenses are borne by Viridien, which recovers its investment by selling the acquired data to oil companies interested in the zone.
Viridien: A Global Deep-Sea Exploration Leader
Viridien — formerly CGG — is one of the world's leading marine geophysics firms. The company will acquire 2D and 3D seismic data to map the subsurface structure across the entire plateau. This data will help estimate the location, existence, and potential volume of hydrocarbons in the region's deep marine sediments.
Why It Matters
The discovery of exploitable reserves in the Mascarene Plateau could fundamentally reshape the economies of both archipelagos. Mauritius, which imports 100% of its energy needs, and Seychelles, heavily dependent on tourism, would gain a strategic resource base to fund their transition towards high-income status. Caution is warranted: seismic surveys do not guarantee the existence of a field, and the preliminary exploration phase precedes any potential production by years. Nevertheless, this joint commitment with a world-class operator marks a concrete step in unlocking the Indian Ocean's resource potential.
Sources: State House Seychelles, Seychelles News Agency, Africa Newsroom — 6 August 2026.