Chevron to begin seismic exploration off Greece by year-end

Chevron Corporation plans to launch seismic research across offshore blocks in Greece by the end of 2026. Country manager Beatrice Bienvenu shared the timeline during a meeting in New York with Greek energy minister Stavros Papastavrou. The surveys will focus on the Ionian Sea and waters south of the Peloponnese and Crete.

The energy company has been growing its Greek footprint throughout 2026. Earlier this year, Chevron bought a 70% stake from Helleniq Energy in a block southwest of the Ionian Sea. A consortium led by Chevron also obtained exclusive exploration leases for natural gas across three additional deep-sea blocks off the Peloponnese and Crete.

Together, the agreements with Helleniq Energy span four offshore blocks: South Crete 1, South Crete 2, South of Peloponnese and Block A2. The total area covers about 47,000 square kilometers. The joint venture has planned a three-phase exploration process consisting of seismic data collection, exploratory drilling and reservoir evaluation to assess potential hydrocarbon reserves.

The campaign expands Chevron's broader Eastern Mediterranean presence, where the company already operates natural gas fields in Israel and holds assets in Egypt and Cyprus. Greek energy minister Papastavrou stated that the projects support national energy security, domestic production, job creation and technology transfer.