Greece to launch Ionian Sea offshore drilling in 2027
Greece is set to begin its first offshore exploratory drilling in the Ionian Sea in four decades, with operations expected to start in early 2027, authorities said.
The drilling will be carried out by a consortium including ExxonMobil, Energean and Helleniq Energy, which aims to complete all preparatory work within the next 12 months.
The plan was discussed during a meeting between Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and Deputy Minister Nikos Tsafos with ExxonMobil executive John Ardill on the sidelines of the CERAWeek in Houston.
Papastavrou said the development of the hydrocarbon sector is part of the government’s broader energy strategy under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He also noted that Greece has managed to keep energy prices relatively stable during the Middle East crisis thanks to a diversified energy mix and increased use of renewable energy sources.
