The Greek port of Igoumenitsa has been selected as the logistics base for planned exploration drilling in offshore Block 2 in the Ionian Sea, bringing Greece closer to its first offshore natural-gas exploration well in several years.
Igoumenitsa was chosen primarily because of its proximity to the northwestern Ionian exploration area. Compared with Patra, the port offers shorter routes for transporting personnel, equipment and supplies, which should reduce mobilisation time and operating costs during the drilling campaign.
The port will function as the central onshore support location for offshore operations, providing equipment storage, material handling, technical services and workforce coordination. The decision gives Igoumenitsa a potentially larger role in Greece’s upstream energy sector, particularly if the initial drilling campaign leads to further exploration activity.
The consortium is expected to submit an Environmental Impact Study, allowing the remaining regulatory process to proceed. Subject to permits and final approvals, drilling of the first exploration well is scheduled to begin in February 2027.
The licence is operated by ExxonMobil, which increased its participation after acquiring a 60% interest in late 2025. Energean holds 30%, while Helleniq Upstream controls the remaining 10%.
Block 2 is considered one of the most advanced offshore exploration licences in Greece. The first well will provide critical geological data on the hydrocarbon potential of the northwestern Ionian Sea and influence future capital allocation across other Greek offshore acreage.
The campaign also carries a wider strategic dimension. Greece has expanded its role as an LNG and regional gas-transit market, but commercial domestic production would create a different supply profile and could reduce part of the country’s long-term import exposure. The investment case remains dependent on drilling results, development costs, permitting and the future role of natural gas in the European energy system.
