Major international companies have already expressed interest in participating in the tender for conducting seismic surveys in the maritime areas of Western and Southern Greece, launched by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in June.
International interest in seismic surveys in Western and Southern Greece
According to information from the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), the goal of the new seismic surveys is “to ensure, in accordance with the most modern standards followed in the hydrocarbons industry, the acquisition and processing of non-exclusive use data, which will help in assessing the hydrocarbon potential of the region.” In other words, to identify new potential targets in areas where a petroleum system has already been proven — based on earlier discoveries — and to open them up for further exploration and drilling by interested parties.
Through this move, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) is seeking to capitalize on the window of opportunity for hydrocarbon discovery and exploitation created by the entry of major international energy groups into Greece’s energy planning. It is worth noting that the most mature project involves “Block 2” in the northwestern Ionian Sea, where American energy giant ExxonMobil has entered as a shareholder and, together with Energean and HELLENiQ Energy, is planning an exploratory drilling operation next April. The public consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment for the drilling is already underway, and the Regional Council of the Ionian Islands, the Regional Council of Epirus, and the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities have all issued conditional positive opinions.
The tender for the new seismic surveys was launched on June 30 and covers — according to the map accompanying the tender notice as published in the Official Journal of the European Union — the entire maritime area of the Ionian Sea and the Southern Cretan Sea, including areas already licensed for exploration to oil companies operating in Greece (Chevron, ExxonMobil, HELLENiQ Energy, and Energean). Interested parties may submit bids for 2D or 3D surveys across the entire area or specific sections of it. It is stipulated that should seismic survey operations extend into areas covered by active contracts, EDEUEP (the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company) must first secure the consent of the relevant licensees before granting the corresponding exploration permit.
The deadline for submitting bids is November 9, yet significant interest has already been reported. The tender was in fact launched following a request by PGS Exploration, a company active in the seismic survey sector.
Papastaurou: Greece is a leader in renewable energy sources
In his statements, Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastaurou said: “Our energy policy serves a clear national goal — a stronger Greece, with greater energy security and tangible economic benefits for citizens. Through planning and decisive action, we are unlocking potential that has gone untapped for years.
In the hydrocarbons sector, we are moving from anticipation and planning to action. The exploratory drilling by ExxonMobil, Energean, and HELLENiQ ENERGY is scheduled for April 2027, while the seismic surveys by the Chevron–HELLENiQ ENERGY joint venture are set to be completed by the end of 2026. The involvement of these American companies represents a vote of confidence in our country’s prospects.”
He continued: “In renewable energy sources, Greece is leading the way. Our next goal is to convert this strong position into even greater economic benefits for households and businesses, with a focus on energy storage and grid reinforcement. Through our new spatial planning framework, we are establishing clear rules for the development of renewables, with respect for the environment and local communities.
Through the Vertical Gas Corridor, Greece is taking on a strategic role in Europe’s energy security. We are actively contributing to the de-coupling from Russian natural gas, strengthening our regional partnerships, and enhancing our country’s geopolitical footprint. The same policy direction underpins the investment in the copper and gold mines at Skouries, inaugurated just days ago by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis — an investment that taps into our mineral wealth, strengthens the country’s productive base, and generates revenue for the state and benefits for local communities.”
Concluding, the minister added: “Our common thread is the choice to responsibly and actively harness what Greece has to offer — its natural wealth, its energy infrastructure, and its geographic position. To enhance our national strength, with tangible economic benefits for our citizens. Because progress gains real meaning when it improves people’s daily economic lives and creates opportunities for the next generation.”
Source: ANA-MPA
