Greece deepens US energy ties with first exploratory offshore drilling deal in 40 years | Offshore news

The new drilling deal involving ExxonMobil, Energean and HelleniQ Energy, allows exploration in the Ionian Sea, and is expected to take place in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to applicable governmental approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing deliverables.

The drilling operation will be the first exploratory offshore drilling in Greece in more than 40 years, when the well that led to the discovery of the Katakolo hydrocarbon field was completed.

Over the past two decades, the only offshore wells carried out in Greece have been production wells in Prinos, implemented by Energean.

Last week, the companies