Drilling Begins in Block 5 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone

Drilling operations have officially started in Block 5 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as announced by President Nikos Christodoulides.

In a post on the social media platform X, the President confirmed that drilling commenced Friday morning at the Electra gas field within Block 5. The project is being undertaken by the American multinational corporation ExxonMobil in partnership with QatarEnergy.

• "Cyprus continues its exploratory activities, aiming to become a reliable and alternative source of natural gas for the European Union," stated President Christodoulides.

On Sunday, Cyprus issued a Navtex notification to mark the start of operations at the Electra gas field.

According to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), the Navtex system became effective on January 19 and will remain active until June 19, 2025. The drilling operations are being carried out by the Valaris DS-9 drillship.

John Ardill, Vice President for Global Exploration at ExxonMobil, briefed President Christodoulides on the company’s drilling plans for both Block 5 and Block 10, the latter of which includes the Glaucus natural gas field.

Results from the drilling are expected by the end of February, with an official announcement anticipated by late March after the field's resource volumes have been assessed.