DRILLING CONTINUES IN CYPRUS’ EEZ WITHIN TIMEFRAME, SAYS ENERGY MINISTER
Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis (pictured) has said that ENI/KOGAS consortium continues within the set time frame the drilling in the “Amathousa” area in block 9 of Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), noting that the drilling is not affected by Turkey’s violations.
“The drilling actually started on January 1st and is proceeding normally. Drilling is expected to last eighty to ninety days. Right now we are at a very good juncture as far as our planning is concerned”, he said replying to a question.
As regards the Turkish violations, Lakkotrypis said a Turkish warship is observing the area from a distance of five miles, as was the case in a previous drilling in “Onasagoras” block, adding that these violations do not affect the drilling.
Replying to a question, the Minister dismissed the view that the new Turkish illegal maritime order (NAVTEX) has cut off contact between ENI and the Cypriot coast.
The consortium ENI/KOGAS has been awarded exploration licenses in Cyprus` EEZ, namely in Blocks 2,3 and 9. ENI completed 2 seismic surveys, and is planning to drill 6 wells in the coming 18 months.
Article written by CNA
