“ExxonMobil and our partners, Energean and Hellenic Energy, are preparing to conduct the first offshore exploration drilling in Greek waters in nearly four decades,” stated Dr. John Ardill, Vice President and Head of Global Exploration at ExxonMobil, in a LinkedIn post.
Read also: Papastavrou: ExxonMobil drilling to begin in the first months of 2027
ExxonMobil VP: “Our commitment remains clear”
He further added: “Strong, long-term partnerships between governments and investors are built over many years — through shared goals, mutual trust, and the consistent fulfillment of commitments.
Earlier this year, we announced our plans to carry out this significant deepwater drilling operation, and we are now moving rapidly toward spudding the well in early next year. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou have been actively engaged throughout this journey. We are bringing the full capabilities of ExxonMobil to bear in helping unlock Greece’s natural gas resources for the benefit of the country and the Greek people.
We have steadily advanced our multi-year exploration investment program, despite significant headwinds, including the COVID-19 economic downturn and the shifting landscape of European energy and climate policy. Our commitment remains clear: to invest for the long term, honor our commitments, and develop new sources of natural gas at a time when Europe will need reliable domestic energy supplies.”
Stavros Papastavrou: “We are on track with our plan”
Following a meeting with the ExxonMobil executive, Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, stated that “the goals we set are becoming reality.” “I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. John Ardill, Vice President and Head of Global Exploration at ExxonMobil, in the context of our cooperation on developing the country’s hydrocarbon sector.
We confirmed that we are proceeding according to plan and that the target for the first exploration drilling in the early months of 2027 — after nearly half a century — remains firm,” said Mr. Papastavrou.
“Consistency in delivering on agreed timelines is critical. Every completed milestone strengthens the country’s credibility and the confidence of major international energy companies in Greece’s prospects. Greece is proving that it can plan methodically, move swiftly, and operate with reliability while fully adhering to all international environmental standards. The goals we set are becoming reality,” he added.
