From Discovery
to Production

Developing offshore gas fields is a multi-year process requiring billions in investment. This section explains how Cyprus discoveries will be commercialized, from appraisal drilling through first gas production.

17-18
Tcf Discovered
3
Projects in Development
2028
Earliest First Gas
Cronos, Block 6
$10B+
Est. Investment

Development Projects

Aphrodite

Block 12 · Operated by Chevron

Development / FEED

Development plan approved Feb 2025 · FEED began Dec 2025 · Egypt 15-year offtake term sheet initialed Apr 2026

Reserves
~2.9-3.7 Tcf (2C)
Target FID
Targeted late 2026-2027
First Gas
~2030-31
Export Route
Pipeline to Egypt (Port Said)

Cronos (Block 6 Phase 1)

Block 6 · Operated by ENI

Development

HGA signed Feb 2025 · Commercial deals Oct 2025 · Development plan approved May 2026 · Zeus and Calypso slotted for a possible phase-2 cluster

Reserves
3.1 Tcf GIIP
Target FID
Imminent
First Gas
2028
Export Route
Egypt (Zohr tie-back → Damietta LNG, ~5 bcm/yr)

Glaucus + Pegasus

Block 10 · Operated by ExxonMobil

Development

Commercial discovery declared 30 Jun 2026 · Pegasus appraisal from late 2026

Reserves
7-9 Tcf (combined)
Target FID
~2029
First Gas
~2033
Export Route
Leaning to pipeline into Egyptian LNG

Updated July 2026 · Sources: MECI, operator announcements

Development Process

1

Discovery

Year 0

Well finds commercial hydrocarbons

2

Appraisal

1-3 years

Delineate size and confirm viability

3

FEED

1-2 years

Front-End Engineering Design

4

FID

Decision point

Final Investment Decision

5

First Gas

3-5 years

Construction and commissioning

Key Development Challenges

Technical

  • Deepwater operations (1,500-2,500m)
  • Long-distance subsea tiebacks
  • No existing offshore infrastructure

Commercial

  • Export route agreements needed
  • Gas pricing and offtake contracts
  • Competition from other gas sources

Stay Updated

Get weekly insights on Cyprus and Eastern Mediterranean energy developments delivered to your inbox.

Learn more about the newsletter or browse past issues.