How Offshore
Exploration Works

Offshore oil and gas exploration is a complex, high-tech endeavor. This section explains the science and engineering behind finding hydrocarbons deep beneath the seabed, from initial surveys to confirming commercial reserves.

8
Wells Drilled
Since 2011
6
Gas Fields Discovered
Aphrodite to Pegasus
~75%
Success Rate
Exploration wells
$700M
Invested
Exploration spend

Updated July 2026 · Sources: MECI, operator statements

Explore the Fundamentals

Cyprus operates in a deepwater environment (1,500-2,500m water depth) in the Eastern Mediterranean's Levant Basin. The geology is similar to successful discoveries in Israel and Egypt, with Miocene-age carbonate and clastic reservoirs.

Seismic Surveys

How sound waves map underground structures. 2D vs 3D seismic, data processing, and prospect identification.

Deepwater Drilling

Drillships, blowout preventers, well design, and the challenges of drilling in 2,000+ meter water depths.

Reserve Calculations

How reserves are estimated. P10/P50/P90, resource categories, and what "Tcf" really means.

Industry Glossary

Key terms and definitions. EEZ, Tcf, FID, PSC, and other industry terminology explained.

The Exploration Process

Basin Study

Analyze regional geology and identify prospective areas

Seismic Survey

Acquire 2D/3D seismic data to image subsurface structures

Prospect Ranking

Evaluate prospects based on risk and potential volume

Exploration Well

Drill to test whether hydrocarbons are present

Cyprus Exploration History

2006-2008 First 2D seismic surveys acquired across EEZ
2008 Block 12 licensed to Noble Energy
2011 Aphrodite discovery - first major find (~3.7 Tcf)
2013-2017 Extensive 3D seismic acquisition program
2018 Calypso discovery in Block 6 (ENI)
2019 Glaucus discovery in Block 10 (ExxonMobil)
2022 Cronos and Zeus discoveries (Block 6)
2025 Elektra-1 well (Block 5) finds non-commercial gas; Pegasus discovery in Block 10 (July)
2026 Block 10 (Glaucus + Pegasus, ~7-9 Tcf combined) declared commercial on 30 June

Updated July 2026 · Sources: MECI, operator announcements

Learn More

Seismic Surveys
2D/3D coverage of the Cyprus EEZ
Deepwater Drilling
Wells, rigs and safety systems
Reserve Calculations
P10/P50/P90 and the 17-18 Tcf total
Exploration Wells
Every well drilled in the Cyprus EEZ
EEZ Blocks
License blocks and operators
Discoveries
Gas fields from Aphrodite to Pegasus

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