Block 2: Two vessels set to join Asopos-1 drilling operation

The Asopos-1 exploratory drilling operation in Block 2 of the northwestern Ionian is gradually moving from the planning stage into operational preparations, with the process now under way to deploy two specialised support vessels for the operation.

On 24 September, an official application was submitted to the Hellenic Coast Guard requesting an exemption for the use of the Swift Tide, flying the flag of the Isle of Man, and the Highland Chieftain, flying the UK flag.

The Coast Guard’s official notice explicitly states that the two vessels are intended for “support operations for the offshore exploratory drilling operation in maritime area 2 (Ionian Sea).”

The support vessels are expected to transport personnel, drilling equipment, materials, spare parts, consumables and other supplies between the shore base and the floating drilling unit.

The port of Igoumenitsa has been selected as the operation’s shore base, while personnel will be transported by helicopter from Corfu Airport to the drilling rig, according to Energean’s official plans.

February–May 2027

The application for the two vessels envisages their deployment from 1 February to 1 May 2027. This timeframe is consistent with Energean’s latest schedule, which places the drilling operation in April 2027, subject to all the required permits being obtained in time.

The Stena DrillMAX drilling rig has already been contracted for the drilling operation itself.

The latest development is particularly significant because it now provides a more specific picture of the operation’s logistics: Igoumenitsa as the shore base, Corfu for the air transport of personnel, two supply vessels, and the Stena DrillMAX at the drilling site.

Application, not yet approval

It is important, however, to make a clear distinction: the Coast Guard notice concerns an application for an exemption for the two foreign-flagged vessels, rather than an approval that has already been granted.

Nor does this procedure replace the environmental permitting process for the Asopos-1A drilling operation.

Energean itself continues to explicitly link the drilling operation to the timely issuance of the required permits. On its official Block 2 webpage, it also states that the Environmental Action Plan will be made public after the approved Environmental Terms have been issued.

Thus, while the environmental permitting process has not yet been completed, the operational preparations are becoming increasingly specific, with the vessels, shore base, drilling rig and operational timeframe now taking shape.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS