Cyprus issued a Navtex on Sunday in relation to the start of drilling at the ‘Electra’ field, in bloc 5 of the Cypriot exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), the Navtex came into force from January 19, until June 19, 2025 with the drillship VALARIS DS-9 conducting the operations.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou, said that the VALARIS DS-9 drillship is in Block 5, confirming that the Navtex in question relates to drilling in Block 5 and specifically the ‘Electra’ field.
Papanastasiou reminded that EXXON MOBIL is active in Block 5 in a joint venture with Qatar Energy.
Asked if there is a timetable for the start of drilling, Papanastasiou said that this depends on the positioning of the drilling rig, which should be set at the right coordinates with the target being in the centre of the drill, which, according to the Energy Minister, also depends on the weather conditions.
Papanastasiou estimated that the timeframe stipulated in the issued Navtex for bloc 5 would not need to be exhausted. He added that the drilling results are expected to be known at the end of February, while an official announcement will be made at the end of March, following an evaluation, on the quantities of the deposit.
