The contract for the implementation of hydrocarbon exploration drilling in “Block 2”, in the northwestern Ionian Sea, will be signed today, Wednesday, at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, marking a crucial step towards the start of the project.
The drilling, scheduled for February 2027, is expected to be the first in Greece in four decades.
The contract will be signed between the ExxonMobil – Energean – HELLENiQ Energy joint venture, which has the exploration rights in the area, and Stena Drilling, in the presence of the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavros, and the ambassadors of the United States, Kimberly Guilfoyle and Sweden, Håkan Emsgård. The presentation of the Drilling Program by the joint venture will follow.
It is recalled that the agreement in principle for the implementation of exploratory drilling was signed in November in Athens at the same time as the entry of the American ExxonMobil into the exploration Consortium with a percentage of 60% (Energean maintains a 30% participation, from 75% previously and HelleniQ Energy 10%, from 25% previously).
According to the information that has become known, Block 2 is the most mature concession for the implementation of exploratory drilling, in order to determine the existence of a exploitable hydrocarbon deposit with a probability of success of 15-18%. The Asopos-1 exploratory drilling will examine a potential carbonate reservoir at a depth of 4000 m and concerns a potential deposit of approximately 200 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas.
Technical data for the Stena DrillMAX floating drilling vessel:
The Stena DrillMAX is a 6th generation drillship, built in 2007 by Samsung Heavy Industries and operated by Stena Drilling. It belongs to the DrillMAX series, a group of high-performance vessels designed to push the boundaries of offshore drilling.
One of the key features of the Stena DrillMAX is its ability to operate in ultra-deepwater. It is designed to operate in water depths of up to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and drill to depths of up to 35,000 feet (over 10 kilometers), allowing access to deposits that were once considered inaccessible.
Its performance is based on modern technological systems:
Dynamic Positioning (DP3): It uses computer-controlled propellers to maintain its position without anchoring.
Dual-activity system: It allows simultaneous drilling operations, reducing time and cost, a function known as dual-activity drilling.
Blowout preventer (BOP): A safety system that controls pressure and seals the well in case of emergency, preventing uncontrolled oil or gas outflows. In the context of increased environmental sensitivity and compliance with stricter rules, such technologies are essential.
The above make the ship capable of operating continuously and safely in difficult conditions.
It has a length of 228 meters, a width of 42 meters, a carrying capacity of approximately 97,000 tons. and a crew of up to 180 people.
It also has large fuel and equipment stores, allowing long-term missions without refueling. It includes power generation systems, heavy cranes, specialized drilling equipment and environmental protection valves.
Stena DrillMAX is the first drillship to receive DNV “Abate (P)” certification, for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
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