Carlsberg Ridge

Published on 06 Dec 2025

• The government signed a contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphide nodules (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge, a 3,00,000-sq km mid-ocean ridge in the northwest Indian Ocean. 

• Formed by seafloor spreading between the Indian and Somali Plates, it hosts hydrothermal vents and potential PMS deposits. 

• Its proximity to India (~2°N) makes it strategically important compared to the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges (~26°S). 

• India applied to ISA in 2024 for exploration rights in two areas: Carlsberg Ridge (approved) and Afanasy-Nikitin Sea mount (pending).

  
  

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Keywords:

Carlsberg Ridge International Seabed Authority polymetallic sulphide nodules PMS mid-ocean ridge MOR northwest Indian Ocean seafloor spreading