
Decisions are expected over the coming period by energy consortia over whether to proceed with exploratory drilling in five offshore blocks southwest of Crete and in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of mainland Greece.
By all accounts, such drilling will focus on exploitable natural gas deposits in Greek waters.
According to a report in “To Vima”, ExxonMobil, HelleniQ Energy and Energean are in the “final stretch” of analysis of seismic research conducted in the five blocks.
First drilling off Crete expected in 2025
Market sources this month said the first drilling rid chartered by the ExxonMobil – HelleniQ Energy consortium will begin operations within 2025 southwest of Crete, marking the first such exploratory drilling in Greek waters in 20 years.
Similar decisions are pending by three energy groups over developing major offshore wind farms, following a national program announced by the state-run Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Co. (HEREMA S.A.) last October, a program that was greeted with very favorable reviews by investors at a handful of international forums, such as COP28 in Dubai.
HEREMA has staked off 25 maritime regions, exceeding 2,700 square kilometers, with the prospect of generating a minimum of 12.4 GW from offshore and floating units.



Latest News

Public Services in Greece to Go Under Review with New Rating Tool
Public services will receive their evaluation scores and feedback directly, fostering a system of accountability and continuous improvement.

Istanbul Earthquake – Greek Prof. Concerned Major Quake Yet to Strike
Responding to concerns over whether a potential major quake in Istanbul could affect Greece, Papazachos was reassuring: “The fault extends as far as Lemnos and the Northern Sporades, but it doesn’t rupture all at once. An earthquake in Istanbul doesn’t have the capacity to directly affect Greek territory.”

Greece 4th Most Popular Summer Destination for Europeans
Southern Europe remains the top choice for Europeans at 41%, though down 8% from last year, likely due to rising temperatures and climate concerns.

Easter Sales Performance and the Source of €4–5 Million in Losses
Easter retail sales were relatively weak this year, with the only "real winners" being the livestock farmers who had lambs to sell.

Hotel Foreclosures Continue to Plague Greece’s Islands
A surge in hotel foreclosures across Greece’s islands threatens small tourism businesses, despite booming visitor numbers and record-breaking travel in 2024.

Athens Launches Task Force to Safeguard Historic City Center
The new municipal unit will ensure compliance to zoning laws, curb noise, and address tourist rental issues starting from the Plaka district.

WTTC: Travel & Tourism to Create 4.5M New Jobs in EU by 2035
This year, international visitor spending is set to reach 573 billion euros, up by more than 11% year-on-year

IMF: US Tariffs Shake Global Economy, Outlook Downbeat
IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8% as U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and ‘negative supply shock

First Step Towards New Audiovisual Industry Hub in Drama
The project is set to contribute to the further development of Greece’s film industry and establish Drama as an audiovisual hub in the region

Airbnb Greece – Initial CoS Ruling Deems Tax Circular Unlawful
The case reached the Council of State following annulment applications filed by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (POMIDA)