Hydrographic maps to improve data sharing

Ceremony to handover hydrographic maps

SEYCHELLES: The Ministry of Transport yesterday hosted a ceremony to officially handover hydrographic maps to major national stakeholders in an effort to promote the importance of data sharing across government institutions.

The ceremony, held in Victoria, was attended by senior officials from various ministries, the Seychelles Defence Forces, the Seychelles Ports Authority, the Seychelles Petroleum Company, and other relevant bodies.

“When data is shared across ministries and agencies, it empowers us to make better decisions—together. It ensures coordination, avoids duplication, and strengthens our collective ability to serve the public,” said Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques.

The hydrographic data—consisting of seabed surveys and geospatial information—was provided by both the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the Indian Navy. The UKHO data includes recent surveys conducted around Praslin and Mahé, while the Indian Navy contributed data from past surveys in various parts of Seychelles' waters.

This initiative is coordinated through the Seychelles National Hydrographic Committee, chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA), with the Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces as Vice Chair. The committee will soon travel to India to explore further cooperation in the field of hydrography.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the data, Minister Derjacques emphasised its role in ensuring maritime safety, supporting port and coastal infrastructure planning, and aiding national climate resilience efforts.

“The tide gauges installed on Mahé and Praslin will help monitor sea-level rise. Their data must reach not only the Ministry of Transport, but also the Department of Climate Change, the Ministry of Environment, and our disaster risk units—because resilience is a shared responsibility,” he added.

The hydrographic maps are expected to significantly benefit agencies such as the Seychelles Ports Authority, Seychelles Petroleum Company (SEYPEC), and infrastructure planners, particularly in ensuring safe navigation, protecting national assets, and guiding long-term development strategies.

The Ministry of Transport reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, inter-agency collaboration, and efficient data use, positioning Seychelles to better meet its sustainable development goals.