
Seismic surveys south of the Peloponnese and west of Crete began today by ExxonMobil to explore natural gas deposits, according to the Minister of Environment and Energy, Kostas Skrekas.
Speaking to national broadcaster ERT, he revealed that the search for hydrocarbons in Greece has begun. The ship is on its way. It casts and drags cables that emit signals and listens for the return of the signals so that it can determine the geological makeup.
The relevant NAVTEX, issued last Monday, provides that areas in the Ionian Sea, the Western Sea and west and east of Crete are reserved so that the ship Nanco Swift can carry out equipment deployment and seismic surveys.
“This may be the last large deposit we are investigating in SE Europe”
“The deposit that we suspect exists southwest of Crete and the Peloponnese is perhaps the last hope that the mining industry has to find a large natural gas deposit in the region of Eastern Europe,” the minister revealed to ERT, clarifying however that “until we drill down and see what’s really there, everything is just estimates.”
Read also: ExxonMobil scours Crete deposits
Seismic surveys will last 2 years. Based on their results, the consortium will decide whether to proceed with exploratory drilling or withdraw. If the investigations are deemed satisfactory, natural gas production may begin in 2027.
The schedule of surveys:
2022- 2024: Seismic surveys
2024-2026: Exploratory drilling
2026-2027: Field development
2027-2028: Natural Gas Production


Latest News

Greek Government Reissues 10-Year Bond Auction for €200 Million
The amount to be auctioned will be up to 200 million euros, and the settlement date is set for Friday, April 25, 2025 (T+5)

Greece Defines Continental Shelf Limits and Maritime Zones in Landmark EU Document
The Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) framework represents a comprehensive approach to spatial planning and is crucial for the successful development of a blue and circular economy

EU Praises Greece’s RRF Progress as Revised Recovery Plan Nears Completion
Athens is preparing to submit its revised “Greece 2.0” Recovery and Resilience Plan after Easter, with a slight delay from the initial timeline but with the European Commission’s approval.

Greek €200M 10Y Bond to be Issued on April 16
The 3.875% fixed-interest-rate bond matures on March 12, 2029, and will be issued in dematerialized form. According to PDMA, the goal of the re-issuance is to meet investor demand and to enhance liquidity in the secondary bond market.

German Ambassador to Greece Talks Ukraine, Rise of Far Right & Tariffs at Delphi Economic Forum X
Commenting on the political developments in his country, the German Ambassador stressed that it was clear the rapid formation of a new government was imperative, as the expectations across Europe showed.

Athens to Return Confiscated License Plates Ahead of Easter Holiday
Cases involving court orders will also be excluded from this measure.

Servicers: How More Properties Could Enter the Greek Market
Buying or renting a home is out of reach for many in Greece. Servicers propose faster processes and incentives to boost property supply and ease the housing crisis.

Greek Easter 2025: Price Hikes on Lamb, Eggs & Sweets
According to the Greek Consumers’ Institute, hosting an Easter dinner for eight now costs approximately €361.95 — an increase of €11 compared to 2024.

FM Gerapetritis Calls for Unified EU Response to Global Crises at EU Council
"Europe is navigating through unprecedented crises — wars, humanitarian disasters, climate emergencies," he stated.

Holy Week Store Hours in Greece
Retail stores across Greece are now operating on extended holiday hours for Holy Week, following their Sunday opening on April 13. The move aims to accommodate consumers ahead of Easter, but merchants remain cautious amid sluggish market activity.