ExxonMobil on track to begin first Greek exploratory drilling in decades in early 2027

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Greece is on track to begin its first exploratory oil and gas drilling operation in nearly half a century, with ExxonMobil expected to start work in the Ionian Sea in early 2027.

Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou confirmed the timetable following a meeting with John Ardill, ExxonMobil’s vice president and head of global exploration.

The planned drilling will take place in Block 2 in the Ionian Sea, where ExxonMobil holds a 60% stake. Energean owns 30%, while Helleniq Energy holds the remaining 10%.

ExxonMobil entered the concession in November 2025, strengthening the international energy company’s involvement in Greece’s offshore hydrocarbons sector.

Papastavrou said the meeting confirmed that the project remains on schedule, with exploratory drilling targeted for the first months of 2027.

“We confirmed that we are proceeding according to plan and that the target of carrying out the first exploratory drilling operation in the first months of 2027, after almost half a century, remains unchanged,” Papastavrou said.

The minister also stressed the importance of maintaining the agreed timetable, arguing that progress on the project would strengthen international confidence in Greece’s energy prospects.

“Every step completed strengthens the country’s credibility and the confidence of major international energy groups in Greece’s prospects,” he said.

Papastavrou added that Greece was demonstrating its ability to plan and implement major energy projects while complying with international environmental standards.

The planned drilling represents a significant step in Greece’s renewed push to explore its offshore hydrocarbon potential, particularly as Athens seeks to strengthen its energy security and diversify its energy sources.

If drilling confirms commercially viable deposits, the results could pave the way for further exploration and potential development in the Ionian region.

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Focus Keyphrase: ExxonMobil Greece drilling 2027

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Meta Description: ExxonMobil remains on track to begin Greece’s first exploratory drilling operation in nearly 50 years in the Ionian Sea in early 2027.

Excerpt: ExxonMobil is on track to begin exploratory drilling in Greece’s Ionian Sea in early 2027, marking the country’s first such operation in nearly half a century.

Tags: ExxonMobil, Greece energy, Greek energy, Ionian Sea, oil and gas, hydrocarbons, exploratory drilling, Stavros Papastavrou, Energean, Helleniq Energy, Greece oil, Greece gas, energy security, offshore drilling, Block 2

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