Filenews 24 January 2025
This morning, drilling operations began in block 5 of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy. This marks an important step in Cyprus' hydrocarbon exploration activities.
According to a post by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, Cyprus aims to become an alternative and reliable source of natural gas for the European Union. These investigations are part of the country's strategy to strengthen the EU's energy security and help diversify its energy sources.
This drilling is expected to take several weeks, while the results will be evaluated for the next phase of Cyprus' energy planning.
We remind you that according to the Search and Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), Navtex entered into force from January 19 to June 19, 2025 with the drilling ship VALARIS DS-9 conducting the works.
Drilling operations have begun at the "Elektra-1" target, within Block 5 of the AOZ of the Republic of Cyprus
Also, the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry announced that the drilling ship "Valaris DS-9" started this morning drilling operations at the "Elektra-1" target, within Block 5 of the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus. The works are carried out by the consortium of ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Cyprus (Offshore) Limited (Operator) and QatarEnergy International E&P LLC, which holds a Hydrocarbon Exploration License for the said Block.
The drilling operations will be monitored in real time by the staff of the Hydrocarbons Service, Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
