Italian energy major ENI’s bold announcement that it will start a drilling programme in November offshore Cyprus, which not only involves blocks 3 and 8, but also 6, demonstrates that it is not concerned about Turkish threats, Cyprus Natural Hydrocarbons Company CEO Charles Ellinas told New Europe on August 21.
“In its own submissions to the government of Cyprus, ENI stated that it has examined in detail Cyprus’ rights to its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), and it is satisfied on their legality on the basis of UNCLOS (The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and relevant international conventions. As a result, ENI and its partner (French energy major) Total are fully satisfied about their rights to explore and exploit block 6, disputed by Turkey, as well as other blocks,” Ellinas said.
On August 21, Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis reportedly said everything is going according to plan, as far as drilling in Onisiforos plot, adding that US energy giant ExxonMobil is expected to begin work in the second half of 2018. Famagusta Gazette quoted him as saying ENI has already invited bids for license for three different targets and intends to decide where it will drill once the results from Onisiforos have been evaluated. He explained that ENI has asked for a license in plots 3, 6 and 8 of Cyprus’ EEZ.
Ellinas told New Europe that Italy and France support Cyprus’ right to explore its EEZ and expressed their views clearly known during recent visits to Cyprus by their Defence Ministers, and by frequent navy visits to the region. The European Union and the United States also recognise Cyprus’ rights, he said.
“Turkey will most likely maintain its intimidation, but it is unlikely to have any impact on the drilling programmes planned by ENI, Total and ExxonMobil in Cyprus’ EEZ,” Ellinas said.
Total’s drilling at the Onesiphoros prospect in block 11 is proceeding smoothly and initial indications of presence of hydrocarbons are expected early September, the Cyprus-based expert said.
“Even though both ENI and ExxonMobil will be studying the results from this well and may review and revise their drilling programmes depending on the outcome, they are both committed to drilling in accordance to their production sharing agreements and are expected to do so,” Ellinas explained. “ENI plans to start in November to drill in blocks 3, 6 and 8, and ExxonMobil will drill during the second half of 2018 in block 10, where the best prospects for gas finds are,” he added.
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