Approximately three months later, the PGS research vessel left its area. Crete following the successful completion of a seismic survey in two offshore areas to the west and southwest of the island on behalf of the consortium ExxonMobil and HELLENiQ ENERGY.

The surveys and collected data offer for the first time insight and information on important unexplored areas within it. Greek EEZ. This will be followed by interpretation and evaluation of the data to make decisions on moving on to the next phase of exploration drilling with the goal of a first test during 2025. Consistency and continuity both on the part of the state and on the part of the investor will be decisive. the final bet on the case of the exploitation of hydrocarbons in the domestic market, made by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in April last year.

This will be followed by data evaluation with a view to test drilling in 2025.

The successful completion of 2D seismic surveys in two offshore areas of Crete was announced yesterday by Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (EDEFEP).

From the start on November 10, 2022, until completion, seabed geophysical surveys with subsurface imaging to identify potential natural gas deposits have been carried out at an intensive pace, far exceeding the minimum contractual obligations. A total of 12,278 km of seismographic data were collected out of a 6,500 km minimum contractual obligation. The research has been successfully completed with the most stringent standards and safety measures in place to protect the environment and marine life. They were carried out under the supervision of EDEFEP, which appointed its own independent observers to monitor the implementation and compliance with all prescribed environmental measures and rules. The head of EDEFEP, Aristophanes Stefatos, expressed his deep satisfaction with the company’s excellent cooperation with investors, who, as he noted, increased their investments and quickly completed the research program. “We are faced with an unprecedented opportunity to harness Greece’s natural gas resources in a way that not only brings economic and strategic benefits, but also accelerates the transition to a more sustainable future, which is the ultimate goal,” the statement said. EDEYEP President Rikard Skoufias.

“In two years, we conducted seismic surveys at five sites, and not just two from 2011 to 2020. I would like to congratulate all those involved and state that we are awaiting the results of the research with great interest. Our goal is to conduct the first test drilling in 2025. We need to find out if the bowels of our country are hiding a new potential source of wealth with deposits that can be used for the benefit of Greek society. The government will continue to respond promptly and realistically to the challenges of the energy crisis,” said the Minister of Environment and Energy. Kostas Skrekas.