Trinidad and Tobago has granted its first environmental approval linked to ultra-deepwater hydrocarbon exploration, a regulatory step the government views as strategically important as it seeks to revitalise offshore activity.
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has issued a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) to ExxonMobil Trinidad and Tobago Deepwater Limited for a 3D seismic survey programme covering approximately 8,825 km² in Block TTUD-1, located offshore the country’s east coast. According to the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, this is the first CEC granted for exploration work in Trinidad and Tobago’s ultra-deepwater marine area.
The approval was formally presented on 29 December 2025 during a press briefing at the Planning Ministry. Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh said projects of this scale demand close regulatory oversight to ensure environmental protection while supporting national development objectives. He also highlighted plans for a dedicated priority desk within the Town and Country Planning Division to streamline approvals for projects valued above TT$50 million.
Government officials framed the move against the backdrop of maturing shallow and deepwater gas provinces, where declining production has increased pressure to identify new resource potential. Ultra-deepwater acreage remains largely unexplored, but authorities regard it as a longer-term opportunity that could contribute to future energy security and state revenues, subject to exploration results.
From a regulatory perspective, the EMA described the decision as a first for the country. EMA Deputy Chairman Neeala Mongroo said the certificate followed a science-based and transparent assessment process, adding that the Authority will maintain strict oversight to ensure compliance with all conditions and national environmental legislation.
The application, submitted on 29 September 2025, underwent a detailed technical review that included multiple requests for clarification and coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. Assessment areas covered stakeholder engagement, survey methods and vessels, marine mammal and sea turtle protection measures, waste management, baseline environmental data, and potential impacts such as underwater noise and vessel traffic.
Following that review, the EMA concluded that the information provided was sufficient and that a full Environmental Impact Assessment was not required for the proposed seismic activity.
Energy and Energy Industries Minister Roodal Moonilal credited the EMA for improving application turnaround times and noted that, if similar efficiency were applied across comparable projects, it could potentially translate into about $120 million per year in economic value for Trinidad and Tobago. The estimate was presented as an indicative outcome rather than a guaranteed return.
