ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum carried out two exploratory drilling in Delphyne 1 and Glaucus 1 prospects in block 10 in early 2019.
ExxonMobil announced a major offshore gas find in Cyprus Block 10 on 28 February 2019. It is estimated that the size of the natural gas reservoir ranges between 5 and 8 trillion cubic feet. The discovery is the largest find in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone so far.
“These are encouraging results in a frontier exploration area,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “The potential for this newly discovered resource to serve as an energy source for regional and global markets will be evaluated further.”
ExxonMobil Vice President Tristan Aspray expressed enthusiasm for the discovery at Glaucos 1, adding that the US company will continue analysis of the results. He said that the first goal is to find ways to transport gas to onshore facilities while also stating the interest of ExxonMobil for further exploratory drillings in the Eastern Mediterranean.
At the same time,
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer has urged all sides interested in the goings-on in Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to practice restraint and reiterated Washington’s support for United Nations-backed efforts for a solution on the island entailing a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
Palmer said on Wednesday that the US hopes the development of the island’s natural reserves will provide incentives for a solution.
The remarks by Palmer, who also referred to the Prespes agreement and Greek-US economic ties, were made as Turkey launched its biggest-ever naval exercise ” Blue Homeland” on Wednesday in the Black Sea, the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
The “Blue Homeland 2019” exercise, with the participation of frigates, destroyers and fighter jets, takes place in the Black Sea, the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
Turkey’s state-run Anadolu agency reported Wednesday that a total of 103 vessels are taking part in the drill. The flotilla includes 13 frigates, 6 corvettes, 16 assault boats, 7 submarines, 7 mine hunting vessels, 14 patrol boats, as well as other navy vessels.
The drill is coordinated by the Turkish Naval War Center Command and will last through March 8.
