Eni Updates Cyprus on Drilling Plans

Eni said it and partner Total are planning to start exploration drilling by the end of this year in block 6 of Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The duo had disappointing results from a recent block 11 well.

The Italian firm disclosed this November 24, adding a first well on block 6 will happen just nine months after the signature of the block 6 exploration and production sharing contract (EPSC). Subsequently Eni and its partner South Korean state-owned Kogas will start drilling of their first exploration well in Block 3, it added.

Eni made the remarks following a meeting November 24 by its CEO Claudio Descalzi in Nicosia with the president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiadis (pictured above, Descalzi on left).  Eni said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the exploitation of the country's offshore resources potentially using existing infrastructures in Egypt, where Eni is present as an operator and shareholder. Descalzi also discussed possible synergies related to energy projects in the eastern Mediterranean, an area that Eni says could represent an important diversification source and route for the future energy supply of Europe.

Eni's statement however did not discuss disappointing results from its block 11 well offshore Cyprus. Eni operates a total of six blocks offshore Cyprus, one alone, and others partnering either Total or Kogas.

Licensees in Cypriot EEZ blocks (Credit: the government)