# OilCyprus — Full Structured Dataset

> Complete machine-readable snapshot of the Cyprus EEZ hydrocarbon dataset maintained at https://oilcyprus.com. Data last verified: 2026-07-07. Cite as "OilCyprus (oilcyprus.com)". Official headline: 6 commercial-scale gas fields, ~17–18 tcf combined (Republic of Cyprus figure).

## Exploration Blocks

### Block 1 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-1)
- Status: open
- Area: 5740 km²
- Water depth: 500-2000 m

### Block 2 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-2)
- Status: relinquished
- Operator: ENI
- Partnership: ENI 60% (operator), KOGAS 20% (partner), TotalEnergies 20% (partner)
- Area: 4740 km²
- Water depth: 500-1800 m
- Licensed: 2013-01-24
- Licence expiry: 2025-01-31

### Block 3 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-3)
- Status: relinquished
- Operator: ENI
- Partnership: ENI 50% (operator), KOGAS 20% (partner), TotalEnergies 30% (partner)
- Area: 3510 km²
- Water depth: 1000-2000 m
- Licensed: 2013-01-24
- Licence expiry: 2025-01-31

### Block 4 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-4)
- Status: open
- Area: 2740 km²
- Water depth: 2500-3000 m

### Block 5 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-5)
- Status: licensed
- Operator: ExxonMobil
- Partnership: ExxonMobil 60% (operator), QatarEnergy 40% (partner)
- Area: 4560 km²
- Water depth: 1800-2800 m
- Licensed: 2021-12-10

### Block 6 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-6)
- Status: licensed
- Operator: ENI
- Partnership: ENI 50% (operator), TotalEnergies 50% (partner)
- Area: 4570 km²
- Water depth: 1800-2400 m
- Licensed: 2017-04-06

### Block 7 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-7)
- Status: licensed
- Operator: TotalEnergies
- Partnership: TotalEnergies 50% (operator), ENI 50% (partner)
- Area: 4570 km²
- Water depth: 1500-2200 m
- Licensed: 2019-09-18

### Block 8 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-8)
- Status: licensed
- Operator: ENI
- Partnership: ENI 60% (operator), TotalEnergies 40% (partner)
- Area: 4570 km²
- Water depth: 700-2000 m
- Licensed: 2017-04-06

### Block 9 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-9)
- Status: relinquished
- Operator: ENI
- Partnership: ENI 60% (operator), KOGAS 20% (partner), TotalEnergies 20% (partner)
- Area: 4280 km²
- Water depth: 1500-2200 m
- Licensed: 2013-01-24
- Licence expiry: 2025-01-31

### Block 10 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-10)
- Status: licensed
- Operator: ExxonMobil
- Partnership: ExxonMobil 60% (operator), QatarEnergy 40% (partner)
- Area: 2560 km²
- Water depth: 1900-2100 m
- Licensed: 2017-04-05

### Block 11 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-11)
- Status: licensed
- Operator: TotalEnergies
- Partnership: TotalEnergies 50% (operator), ENI 50% (partner)
- Area: 2960 km²
- Water depth: 1500-2500 m
- Licensed: 2013-02-06

### Block 12 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-12)
- Status: licensed
- Operator: Chevron
- Partnership: Chevron 35% (operator), Shell 35% (partner), NewMed Energy 30% (partner)
- Area: 4600 km²
- Water depth: 1400-1900 m
- Licensed: 2008-10-24

### Block 13 (https://oilcyprus.com/blocks/block-13)
- Status: open
- Area: 1440 km²
- Water depth: 1200-2000 m

## Gas Fields

### Aphrodite (https://oilcyprus.com/deposits/aphrodite)
- Block: block-12 · Discovered: 2011 · Status: development
- Estimated resources: 2.9-3.7 tcf
- Operator: Chevron · Partners: Shell, NewMed Energy
- Stakes: Chevron (operator) 35%, Shell 35%, NewMed Energy 30%
- Water depth: 1689 m
- First major gas discovery in the Cyprus EEZ. The February 2026 NSAI resource report puts 2C contingent resources at ~2.9 tcf for the sanctioned first phase (plus ~0.8 tcf "development unclarified"; ~3.7 tcf total). The concept is four production wells tied to a floating production unit (~800 mmcf/d) exporting via a new ~$2 bn subsea pipeline to Port Said, Egypt (field capex ~$4 bn). Development plan approved February 2025, FEED underway since December 2025; in April 2026 a 15-year term sheet was initialed with Egypt's EGAS for the entire output (~700 mmcf/d). FID is targeted for late 2026 – 2027, with first gas around 2030–31. A January 2026 in-principle deal with Israel resolved the Ishai unitization dispute via one-time compensation.
- Milestones: Dec 2011 — Discovery by Noble Energy with the Aphrodite-1 well in Block 12; 2020 — Chevron becomes operator through its acquisition of Noble Energy; Feb 2025 — Development plan approved by the Republic of Cyprus; Dec 2025 — Front-end engineering and design (FEED) begins; Jan 2026 — In-principle deal with Israel resolves the Ishai unitization dispute; Apr 2026 — 15-year term sheet initialed with Egypt's EGAS for 100% of output (~700 mmcf/d); Late 2026–2027 — Final investment decision (FID) targeted; ~2030–31 — First gas targeted
- Export route: Four production wells tied back to a floating production unit (~800 mmcf/d), exporting through a new ~$2 bn subsea pipeline to Port Said, Egypt, under a 15-year term sheet with EGAS covering the entire output.

### Calypso (https://oilcyprus.com/deposits/calypso)
- Block: block-6 · Discovered: 2018 · Status: discovered
- Estimated resources: ~1 tcf
- Operator: Eni · Partners: TotalEnergies
- Stakes: Eni (operator) 50%, TotalEnergies 50%
- Water depth: 2074 m
- Second discovery in the Cyprus EEZ, announced by Eni in February 2018 as an extension of the Zohr carbonate play. Early media estimates of 6–8 tcf were never confirmed; current industry reporting (2025–26) puts the resource at roughly 1 tcf, officially still "under evaluation". A candidate for a second-phase Block 6 development cluster with Zeus, contingent on Cronos being built first.
- Milestones: Feb 2018 — Discovery with the Calypso-1 well in Block 6 (~1 tcf est.); 2022–2026 — Held for appraisal; potential future tie-in to the Cronos–Zohr export scheme

### Glaucus (https://oilcyprus.com/deposits/glaucus)
- Block: block-10 · Discovered: 2019 · Status: development
- Estimated resources: 7-9 (with Pegasus) tcf
- Operator: ExxonMobil · Partners: QatarEnergy
- Stakes: ExxonMobil (operator) 60%, QatarEnergy 40%
- Water depth: 2063 m
- Announced by ExxonMobil in February 2019 (official GIIP re-estimate after the 2022 appraisal: 3.7 tcf). Together with the 2025 Pegasus discovery in the same block it holds an estimated 7–9 tcf. On 30 June 2026 Cyprus, ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy signed a Declaration of Commercial Discovery for the two fields, moving them into the development phase: Pegasus appraisal drilling from late 2026, then FEED, FID anticipated ~2029 and first gas ~2033. The leading export concept is a subsea pipeline into Egypt's existing LNG infrastructure.
- Milestones: Feb 2019 — Discovery with the Glaucus-1 well in Block 10; 2022 — Glaucus-2 appraisal well; Mar 2025 — Pegasus discovered nearby in Block 10; Jun 2026 — Declaration of Commercial Discovery signed for the Block 10 fields (30 June); ~2029 — FID anticipated for the Block 10 development hub; ~2033 — Production targeted
- Export route: To be defined in the Block 10 development plan; the Glaucus–Pegasus hub (est. 7–9 tcf combined) is expected to anchor a standalone development, with LNG the leading export option.

### Cronos (https://oilcyprus.com/deposits/cronos)
- Block: block-6 · Discovered: 2022 · Status: development
- Estimated resources: 3.1 GIIP tcf
- Operator: Eni · Partners: TotalEnergies
- Stakes: Eni (operator) 50%, TotalEnergies 50%
- Water depth: 2287 m
- Discovery in Block 6 announced by Eni in August 2022; official 2025 estimate 3.1 tcf gas in place (~2–2.2 tcf recoverable base case). The most advanced Cyprus development: a subsea tieback via ~90 km pipeline to Egypt's Zohr facilities, then liquefaction at Damietta LNG for European export at ~5 bcm/yr. After the February 2025 Host Government Agreement and the October 2025 Limassol commercial deals, FID was pulled in March 2026 over liability terms but the development plan was approved by the Cyprus cabinet on 19 May 2026, with FID expected imminently. First gas is targeted for 2028.
- Milestones: Aug 2022 — Discovery with the Cronos-1 well in Block 6 (3.1 tcf gas-in-place); 2024 — Cronos-2 appraisal confirms the resource; May 2026 — Development plan approved by the Cyprus cabinet (19 May); FID imminent; ~2028 — First gas targeted — expected to make Cronos the first producing Cypriot field
- Export route: Subsea tie-back to Egypt's existing Zohr production facilities, with the gas liquefied at Damietta LNG for export — the fastest and lowest-capex route available to any Cypriot field.

### Zeus (https://oilcyprus.com/deposits/zeus)
- Block: block-6 · Discovered: 2022 · Status: discovered
- Estimated resources: 2-3 tcf
- Operator: Eni · Partners: TotalEnergies
- Stakes: Eni (operator) 50%, TotalEnergies 50%
- Water depth: 2300 m
- Discovery announced in December 2022, ~5 km west of Cronos-1: 105 m of net gas pay in carbonates, 2–3 tcf gas in place (official 2022 estimate ~2.5 tcf). No further appraisal since; a candidate for a second-phase Block 6 development cluster with Calypso once Cronos is onstream.
- Milestones: Dec 2022 — Discovery with the Zeus-1 well in Block 6; 2023–2026 — Under appraisal; a candidate for tie-in to the Cronos development

### Pegasus (https://oilcyprus.com/deposits/pegasus)
- Block: block-10 · Discovered: 2025 · Status: development
- Estimated resources: 7-9 (with Glaucus) tcf
- Operator: ExxonMobil · Partners: QatarEnergy
- Stakes: ExxonMobil (operator) 60%, QatarEnergy 40%
- Water depth: 1921 m
- Discovered by ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy in Block 10, announced 7 July 2025 (drilled by the Valaris DS-9, ~350 m gas column, 1,921 m water depth). Not yet officially quantified on its own (unofficially ~5 tcf of the combined 7–9 tcf with Glaucus); both fields were declared a commercial discovery on 30 June 2026. An appraisal rig is under contract with delivery expected around December 2026, and appraisal drilling is the critical path to FEED.
- Milestones: Mar 2025 — ExxonMobil announces the Pegasus-1 discovery in Block 10; Jun 2026 — Cyprus, ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy sign the Declaration of Commercial Discovery (30 June); Late 2026 — Appraisal drilling scheduled; ~2029 — FID anticipated; ~2033 — Production targeted
- Export route: Developed jointly with Glaucus as the Block 10 hub (est. 7–9 tcf combined); export concept to be fixed at FID, with LNG the leading option.

### Onesiphoros West (https://oilcyprus.com/deposits/onesiphoros)
- Block: block-11 · Discovered: 2017 · Status: discovered
- Estimated resources: 0.5-1 tcf
- Operator: TotalEnergies · Partners: Eni
- Water depth: 1698 m
- A smaller, sub-commercial gas indication in Block 11. Not included in the Republic of Cyprus's official count of six commercial-scale fields; retained here for completeness.

## Companies

### ExxonMobil (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/exxonmobil)
- Type: IOC · Country: United States
- Active blocks: block-5, block-10
- One of the world's largest publicly traded oil and gas companies. Operator (60%) of Block 10 with QatarEnergy, home to the Glaucus (2019) and Pegasus (2025) discoveries — an estimated 7–9 tcf declared a commercial discovery in June 2026. Also holds Block 5, where the Elektra-1 well found non-commercial gas in 2025.

### ENI S.p.A. (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/eni)
- Type: IOC · Country: Italy
- Active blocks: block-6, block-7, block-8, block-11
- Italian multinational energy company. Operator of Blocks 6 and 8 and partner in Blocks 7 and 11, with the Calypso, Cronos and Zeus discoveries. Eni relinquished Blocks 2, 3 and 9 in early 2025 when their exploration terms lapsed, and is advancing Cronos toward development via Egypt's Zohr facilities.

### TotalEnergies SE (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/totalenergies)
- Type: IOC · Country: France
- Active blocks: block-6, block-7, block-8, block-11
- French multinational integrated energy company. Operator of Blocks 7 and 11 and partner in Blocks 6 and 8 alongside Eni. Also entered Lebanon's Block 8 exploration permit in January 2026.

### Chevron Corporation (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/chevron)
- Type: IOC · Country: United States
- Active blocks: block-12
- American multinational energy corporation. Operator (35%) of Block 12 containing the Aphrodite gas field, Cyprus' first major discovery. Cyprus approved Aphrodite's development plan in February 2025 and Egypt initialed a 15-year term sheet for the field's full output in April 2026, with FID targeted for late 2026-2027 and first gas around 2030-31.

### Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (CHC) (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/chc)
- Type: NOC · Country: Cyprus
- The state-owned national hydrocarbons company of the Republic of Cyprus, established in 2014. CHC manages the state's commercial interests in the EEZ: it participates in gas commercialization and export negotiations (including the Aphrodite–Egypt and Cronos–Zohr arrangements), advises the Ministry of Energy on licensing and development plans, and is the vehicle through which the Republic would hold participating interests in producing fields. Unlike the international operators, CHC holds no operated blocks — its role is commercial stewardship of the state's share of Cypriot gas.

### Shell plc (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/shell)
- Type: IOC · Country: United Kingdom
- Active blocks: block-12
- British multinational oil and gas company. Partner (35%) in Block 12 (Aphrodite) through BG Cyprus.

### Qatar Energy (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/qatar-petroleum)
- Type: NOC · Country: Qatar
- Active blocks: block-5, block-10
- State-owned energy company of Qatar. Partner (40%) with ExxonMobil in Blocks 5 and 10, co-owner of the Glaucus and Pegasus discoveries declared commercial in June 2026.

### KOGAS (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/kogas)
- Type: NOC · Country: South Korea
- Korea Gas Corporation, a state-owned company. Former partner with Eni in Blocks 2, 3 and 9; KOGAS exited Cyprus in early 2025 when those licences lapsed.

### NewMed Energy (https://oilcyprus.com/companies/newmed)
- Type: INDEPENDENT · Country: Israel
- Active blocks: block-12
- Israeli energy company focused on the Eastern Mediterranean. Partner (30%) in the Aphrodite (Block 12) development.

## Wells

### Aphrodite-1 (Cyprus A-1) (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/aphrodite-1)
- Block: block-12 · Field: aphrodite · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: Noble Energy · Spudded: 2011-09-20 · Water depth: 1689 m
- First exploration well in the Cyprus EEZ, drilled by the Homer Ferrington semi-submersible ~160 km south of Limassol. Discovered the Aphrodite gas field (initially estimated ~4.5 tcf; official 2023 GIIP estimate 5.6 tcf).

### Aphrodite-2 (Cyprus A-2) (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/aphrodite-2)
- Block: block-12 · Field: aphrodite · Type: appraisal · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: Noble Energy · Spudded: 2013-06-18 · Water depth: 1699 m
- Appraisal well drilled by the Ensco 5006 semi-submersible on the eastern flank of Aphrodite, close to the Cyprus–Israel median line. A drill-stem test flowed up to 56 MMcf/d; refined the field estimate to 3.6–6 tcf.

### Onasagoras-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/onasagoras-1)
- Block: block-9 · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: dry
- Operator: ENI · Spudded: 2014-09-26 · Water depth: 1700 m
- First well of the Eni/Kogas Block 9 campaign, drilled by the Saipem 10000 drillship. Found no commercial gas ("not enough gas" per the December 2014 announcement). Position approximate — exact coordinates were never published.

### Amathusa-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/amathusa-1)
- Block: block-9 · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: dry
- Operator: ENI · Spudded: 2015-01-10 · Water depth: 1600 m
- Second and last well of the Eni/Kogas Block 9 campaign (Saipem 10000). Also unsuccessful; the consortium suspended drilling in Block 9 afterwards. Position approximate — exact coordinates were never published.

### Onesiphoros West-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/onesiphoros-west-1)
- Block: block-11 · Field: onesiphoros · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: shows
- Operator: TotalEnergies · Spudded: 2017-07-21 · Water depth: 1698 m
- Total's first well in Block 11, targeting a sub-salt Miocene carbonate reef near the Cyprus–Egypt median line. Found gas (<0.5 tcf, non-commercial) but proved that the Zohr-like carbonate play extends into the Cyprus EEZ.

### Calypso-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/calypso-1)
- Block: block-6 · Field: calypso · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: ENI · Spudded: 2017-12-31 · Water depth: 2074 m
- Eni discovery well in Block 6 (Saipem 12000 drillship). Found an extended gas column in Miocene and Cretaceous carbonates, confirming a Zohr-like play; resource still officially under evaluation.

### Delphyne-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/delphyne-1)
- Block: block-10 · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: dry
- Operator: ExxonMobil · Spudded: 2018-12-02 · Water depth: 1973 m
- First well of the ExxonMobil/QatarEnergy Block 10 campaign, drilled by the Stena IceMax drillship. No commercial hydrocarbons encountered. Position approximate — exact coordinates were never published.

### Glaucus-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/glaucus-1)
- Block: block-10 · Field: glaucus · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: ExxonMobil · Spudded: 2019-01-11 · Water depth: 2063 m
- ExxonMobil discovery ~200 km southwest of Paphos (Stena IceMax): 133 m of net gas-bearing reservoir. Announced at 5–8 tcf; the official 2022 re-estimate after appraisal was 3.7 tcf GIIP, since combined with Pegasus into a 7–9 tcf development.

### Glaucus-2 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/glaucus-2)
- Block: block-10 · Field: glaucus · Type: appraisal · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: ExxonMobil · Spudded: 2021-12-21 · Water depth: 2063 m
- Appraisal well drilled by the Stena Forth drillship, including a production test. Confirmed a high-quality gas reservoir and fed the updated 3.7 tcf GIIP estimate for Glaucus.

### Cronos-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/cronos-1)
- Block: block-6 · Field: cronos · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: ENI · Spudded: 2022-06-04 · Water depth: 2287 m
- Eni discovery ~160 km off the Cyprus coast (Tungsten Explorer drillship): more than 260 m of net gas pay in carbonates. Official 2025 estimate 3.1 tcf gas in place; now heading toward development with export via Egypt.

### Zeus-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/zeus-1)
- Block: block-6 · Field: zeus · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: ENI · Spudded: 2022-08-23 · Water depth: 2300 m
- Third Eni discovery in Block 6 during 2022, ~5 km west of Cronos-1 (Tungsten Explorer): 105 m of net gas pay, ~2.5 tcf gas in place (official 2022 estimate).

### Aphrodite-3 (Cyprus A-3) (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/aphrodite-3)
- Block: block-12 · Field: aphrodite · Type: appraisal · Status: completed
- Operator: Chevron · Spudded: 2023-05-01 · Water depth: 1700 m
- Chevron-operated appraisal well in the centre of the Aphrodite field (Stena Forth drillship, May–July 2023). Confirmed the reservoir but did not increase the ~3.5 tcf recoverable estimate.

### Cronos-2 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/cronos-2)
- Block: block-6 · Field: cronos · Type: appraisal · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: ENI · Spudded: 2023-11-05 · Water depth: 2300 m
- Appraisal well ~3 km from Cronos-1 with 115 m of net reservoir. A prolonged production test demonstrated more than 150 MMscf/d capacity in production configuration and confirmed hydraulic communication with Cronos-1.

### Elektra-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/elektra-1)
- Block: block-5 · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: shows
- Operator: ExxonMobil · Spudded: 2025-01-23 · Water depth: 1950 m
- Block 5 exploration well drilled by ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy with the Valaris DS-9 drillship. Completed in April 2025: gas present in non-commercial quantities, but confirmed a working hydrocarbon system and good-quality reservoirs. The rig then moved to Block 10 to drill Pegasus-1.

### Pegasus-1 (https://oilcyprus.com/wells/pegasus-1)
- Block: block-10 · Field: pegasus · Type: exploration · Status: completed · Result: discovery
- Operator: ExxonMobil · Spudded: 2025-05-02 · Water depth: 1921 m
- ExxonMobil/QatarEnergy discovery announced 7 July 2025, drilled by the Valaris DS-9 ~190 km southwest of Cyprus (NAVTEX issued 28 April, spudded early May). Intersected roughly 350 m of gas-bearing reservoir in 1,921 m of water. Together with Glaucus it forms a 7–9 tcf resource declared commercial on 30 June 2026; appraisal drilling is scheduled for late 2026.

## Infrastructure

### EastMed Pipeline (https://oilcyprus.com/infrastructure/eastmed-pipeline)
- Type: pipeline · Status: proposed
- Capacity: 10-20 Bcm/year
- Estimated cost: $6 bn
- Partners: IGI Poseidon (Edison/DEPA), EGAS Egypt
- A proposed 1,900 km subsea pipeline from Eastern Mediterranean gas fields to Greece via Crete and onward to Italy. As of 2026 the project is effectively dormant — no final investment decision has been taken and it remains stalled by prohibitive cost and financing challenges, though it has not been formally cancelled. Cyprus's export strategy has shifted toward routing gas to Egypt for liquefaction.

### Vasilikos LNG Import Terminal (CyprusGas2EU) (https://oilcyprus.com/infrastructure/vasilikos-lng)
- Type: lng_terminal · Status: construction
- Capacity: FSRU-based import
- Partners: ETYFA / DEFA, Technip Energies
- An LNG import terminal at Vasilikos built to supply imported gas to Cyprus's power sector via the FSRU Prometheas. The lead contractor's contract was terminated in 2024 and the project has been reassessed under a new framework; cost estimates have risen to around €1–1.2 billion and realistic first gas has slipped to about 2030. The Prometheas vessel was delivered in December 2024 but has yet to be deployed. This is an import terminal for domestic supply, not an export facility.

### Aphrodite-to-Egypt Pipeline (https://oilcyprus.com/infrastructure/cyprus-egypt-pipeline)
- Type: pipeline · Status: planning
- Capacity: up to 700 MMcf/day
- Estimated cost: $2 bn
- Partners: Chevron, Egyptian Natural Gas Holding (EGAS)
- A new subsea pipeline to carry Aphrodite (Block 12) gas to Port Said in Egypt, feeding Egypt's domestic grid and LNG plants with potential re-export to Europe. In April 2026 Egypt (EGAS) initialed a 15-year term sheet for 100% of Aphrodite's output; the Cyprus cabinet approved the basic gas-sales terms in May 2026, with final agreements pending. Press reports put the pipeline cost at roughly $2 billion with capacity up to 700 MMcf/d. FID is targeted for late 2026–2027, construction from 2027 and first gas to Port Said around 2030–31.

### Damietta LNG (https://oilcyprus.com/infrastructure/damietta-lng)
- Type: lng_terminal · Status: operational
- Capacity: ~5 mtpa (7.56 bcm/year)
- Partners: Eni (SEGAS), EGAS, EGPC
- Egypt's LNG liquefaction plant at Damietta, operated by SEGAS (Eni/EGAS/EGPC), with one ~5 mtpa train that restarted in 2021 after an eight-year shutdown. It is the designated liquefaction point for Cyprus's Cronos gas: under the October 2025 tolling agreement, Cronos gas will be piped to Egypt's Zohr facilities and liquefied at Damietta (~$1/MMBtu tolling) for export to Europe from 2028, making it the first plant to turn Cypriot gas into LNG.

### Vasilikos Power Station (https://oilcyprus.com/infrastructure/vasilikos-power-station)
- Type: power_station · Status: operational
- Capacity: 868 MW
- Partners: Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC)
- Cyprus' largest power plant, currently oil-fired with plans to switch to natural gas. It is expected to be the anchor domestic customer once the delayed Vasilikos LNG import terminal begins supplying gas.

### Block 6 Development Hub (https://oilcyprus.com/infrastructure/block-6-cluster)
- Type: processing_facility · Status: planning
- Capacity: ~5 Bcm/year
- Partners: Eni, TotalEnergies
- Integrated development concept for the Block 6 discoveries. Phase 1 develops Cronos, with gas tied back ~90 km to Egypt's Zohr facilities and liquefied at Damietta LNG for Europe at ~5 bcm/yr. The development plan was approved by the Cyprus cabinet on 19 May 2026 and FID is imminent, with first gas targeted for 2028. A potential second phase would add Calypso and Zeus.

### Aphrodite Subsea Development (https://oilcyprus.com/infrastructure/aphrodite-subsea)
- Type: processing_facility · Status: planning
- Capacity: ~800 MMcf/day
- Partners: Chevron, Shell, NewMed Energy
- Subsea production system for the Aphrodite field — a floating production unit with four initial production wells tied back for export to Egypt, at an estimated cost of about $4 billion. Cyprus approved the development plan in February 2025 and FEED began in December 2025; FID is targeted for late 2026–2027 with first gas around 2030–31.

## FAQ

### What is the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
The Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a maritime area extending 200 nautical miles from the Cypriot coastline where Cyprus has sovereign rights over natural resources. Within it, Cyprus has delineated 13 hydrocarbon exploration blocks covering approximately 51,000 km² of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea; the EEZ boundaries with Egypt (2003), Israel (2010) and Lebanon (2025) are set by bilateral median-line agreements.

### How many exploration blocks are there in Cyprus EEZ?
The Cyprus EEZ is divided into 13 offshore exploration blocks. As of July 2026, seven blocks are licensed to international oil companies (Blocks 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12). Blocks 2, 3 and 9 were relinquished in early 2025 when their exploration terms lapsed, and Blocks 1, 4 and 13 remain open — with ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy having signalled interest in Block 4. Block 12 was the first to be licensed, in 2008.

### Who regulates oil and gas exploration in Cyprus?
The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MECI) is the primary regulatory authority for hydrocarbons in Cyprus. The Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (CHC) manages state interests, while the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) oversees market operations. Exploration licenses are awarded through competitive bidding rounds.

### When did offshore exploration start in Cyprus?
Modern offshore exploration in Cyprus began with the first licensing round in 2007. Block 12 was licensed to Noble Energy in 2008, leading to the first major discovery (Aphrodite) in December 2011. Cyprus has held three competitive licensing rounds — 2007, 2012 and 2016 — and awarded two further blocks by direct application (Block 7 in 2019 and Block 5 in 2021). The government has signalled a new round could follow within a couple of years.

### What are the total gas reserves in Cyprus EEZ?
The Republic of Cyprus estimates its six gas fields hold roughly 17-18 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) combined (post-Pegasus government figure, September 2025). The largest is the Block 10 pair Glaucus and Pegasus, together about 7-9 Tcf and declared a commercial discovery in June 2026, followed by Aphrodite (~2.9-3.7 Tcf 2C) and Cronos (3.1 Tcf gas in place). Additional undiscovered resources are believed to exist in unexplored blocks.

### What are the water depths in Cyprus offshore blocks?
Water depths across Cyprus EEZ range from 1,200 meters to over 2,800 meters, classifying most operations as deepwater or ultra-deepwater drilling. Block 6 discoveries are in depths of 1,850-2,287 meters, while Glaucus (Block 10) is at approximately 2,063 meters depth.

### What are the major gas discoveries in Cyprus?
Cyprus counts six commercial-scale gas fields: Aphrodite (2011, ~2.9-3.7 Tcf 2C), Calypso (2018, ~1 Tcf), Glaucus (2019, 3.7 Tcf GIIP), Cronos (2022, 3.1 Tcf GIIP), Zeus (2022, 2-3 Tcf GIIP) and Pegasus (2025) — with Glaucus and Pegasus together holding an estimated 7-9 Tcf, declared a commercial discovery in June 2026. Combined, the six fields are estimated at roughly 17-18 Tcf. All contain dry natural gas with low contaminants.

### What is the largest gas discovery in Cyprus?
The largest resource in the Cyprus EEZ is in Block 10, where the Glaucus (2019) and Pegasus (2025) fields together hold an estimated 7-9 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). Operated by ExxonMobil with QatarEnergy, the two fields were declared a commercial discovery on 30 June 2026 and are moving into development.

### What is the current status of Aphrodite gas field?
Aphrodite (Block 12, ~2.9-3.7 Tcf contingent resources per the February 2026 NSAI report), discovered in 2011, is one of Cyprus's most advanced projects. It is operated by Chevron with Shell and NewMed Energy. Cyprus approved its development and production plan in February 2025, FEED began in December 2025, and in April 2026 Egypt initialed a 15-year term sheet for the field's entire output via a new pipeline to Port Said. A final investment decision is targeted for late 2026-2027, with first gas around 2030-31.

### What has been discovered in Block 6?
Block 6, operated by Eni with TotalEnergies, has yielded three discoveries: Calypso (2018), Cronos (2022) and Zeus (2022). Cronos gas will be piped ~90 km to Egypt's Zohr facilities and liquefied at Damietta LNG for European export at ~5 bcm/yr: the Host Government Agreement was signed in February 2025, commercial deals in October 2025, and the development plan was approved in May 2026 with FID imminent and first gas targeted for 2028. Calypso and Zeus are candidates for a possible second development phase.

### When will Cyprus start producing natural gas?
Cyprus has no production yet. The earliest first gas is expected in 2028 from Cronos (Block 6) and around 2030-31 from Aphrodite (Block 12), both exporting to Egypt. The larger Block 10 development (Glaucus and Pegasus) is later, with FID anticipated around 2029 and production near 2033.

### What is the quality of Cypriot natural gas?
Gas discovered in Cyprus EEZ is high-quality dry gas (predominantly methane) with low CO2 and H2S content, requiring minimal processing before export. The gas composition is comparable to other Eastern Mediterranean discoveries in Israeli and Egyptian waters.

### Who are the main operators in Cyprus offshore?
Four international oil companies operate blocks in the Cyprus EEZ: Eni (Italy) operates Blocks 6 and 8; ExxonMobil (USA) operates Blocks 5 and 10, where Glaucus and Pegasus were found; TotalEnergies (France) operates Blocks 7 and 11; and Chevron (USA) operates Block 12, containing Aphrodite. QatarEnergy, Shell and NewMed Energy participate as partners.

### What is ENI doing in Cyprus?
Eni holds four Cyprus blocks — it operates Blocks 6 and 8 and is a partner in Blocks 7 and 11. The Italian energy company made three discoveries in Block 6: Calypso (2018), Cronos (2022) and Zeus (2022), and is advancing Cronos toward development via Egypt. Eni relinquished Blocks 2, 3 and 9 in early 2025, and its former partner KOGAS left Cyprus.

### What did ExxonMobil discover in Cyprus?
ExxonMobil discovered Glaucus in Block 10 in February 2019 and followed it with the Pegasus discovery in July 2025; together the two fields hold an estimated 7-9 Tcf. ExxonMobil operates Blocks 5 and 10 with QatarEnergy. In Block 5 the 2025 Elektra-1 well found only non-commercial gas, but on 30 June 2026 the Block 10 fields were declared a commercial discovery, moving into development with FID anticipated around 2029.

### What is Chevron developing in Cyprus?
Chevron operates Block 12 (35%) containing the Aphrodite field, having acquired the operatorship via its 2020 takeover of Noble Energy. Partners are Shell (35%) and NewMed Energy (30%). Cyprus approved the development plan in February 2025, FEED began in December 2025, and Egypt initialed a 15-year term sheet for the field's output in April 2026 — with a final investment decision targeted for late 2026-2027.

### What is the Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company?
Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (CHC) is the state entity managing Cyprus government interests in hydrocarbons. CHC monitors licensed activities, participates in development decisions, and ensures national interests are protected. CHC is involved in infrastructure planning for domestic gas use.

### Which companies are partners in Cyprus blocks?
Key partnerships in Cyprus as of 2026: QatarEnergy partners with ExxonMobil in Blocks 5 and 10; Eni and TotalEnergies partner across Blocks 6, 7, 8 and 11 (each operating two); and Shell and NewMed Energy partner with Chevron in Block 12. KOGAS previously partnered with Eni in Blocks 2, 3 and 9 but left Cyprus when those licences lapsed in early 2025.

### What are the export options for Cypriot gas?
Cyprus's export strategy has consolidated around Egypt: Aphrodite gas will flow by a new subsea pipeline to Port Said, and Cronos (Block 6) will be processed at Egypt's Zohr facilities and liquefied at Damietta LNG for Europe. A direct EastMed pipeline to Greece remains proposed but dormant, and a floating LNG option in Cyprus has not advanced. (A separate Vasilikos terminal is being built to import gas for domestic power, not to export.)

### What is the EastMed Pipeline project?
EastMed is a proposed 1,900 km subsea pipeline connecting Eastern Mediterranean gas (Cyprus, Israel) to Greece and Italy, with an estimated cost of about $6 billion. As of 2026 the project is effectively dormant — no final investment decision has been taken and it remains stalled by cost and financing challenges, though it has not been formally cancelled. LNG-via-Egypt routes have taken precedence.

### What is the Aphrodite-to-Egypt gas pipeline?
It is a new subsea pipeline that will carry Aphrodite (Block 12) gas to Port Said in Egypt, feeding Egypt's grid and LNG plants with potential re-export to Europe. In April 2026 Egypt initialed a 15-year term sheet for 100% of Aphrodite's output; press reports put the pipeline cost at around $2 billion with capacity up to 700 MMcf/d. FID is targeted for late 2026-2027, construction from 2027 and first gas around 2030-31.

### What is the Vasilikos LNG terminal?
The Vasilikos terminal (the CyprusGas2EU project) is an LNG import facility built to supply imported gas to Cyprus's power sector via the FSRU Prometheas — not an export plant. The lead contractor's contract was terminated in 2024 and the project has been reassessed; cost estimates have risen to around €1-1.2 billion and realistic first gas has slipped to about 2030. The Prometheas vessel was delivered in December 2024 but has yet to be deployed.

### How will Cyprus use natural gas domestically?
Cyprus plans to switch the 868 MW Vasilikos Power Station from oil to natural gas, cutting electricity costs and emissions, with initial supply coming from the Vasilikos LNG import terminal once it is completed (currently targeted around 2030). Domestic consumption is estimated at 1-2 Bcm/year; the large majority of offshore production is earmarked for export to Egypt.

### What is the East Mediterranean Gas Forum?
The East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) is an intergovernmental organization with eight members: Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan and Palestine. Headquartered in Cairo, EMGF promotes regional gas cooperation, infrastructure development and export coordination to European markets, and remains active with regular ministerial meetings.

### How much has been invested in Cyprus exploration?
International oil companies have invested approximately $700 million in exploration activities in Cyprus since 2008. This includes seismic surveys and 12+ exploration and appraisal wells. Development phase investments (pending FID) are expected to exceed $10 billion across multiple projects.

### What are the estimated development costs for Cyprus gas?
Aphrodite development is estimated at around $4 billion for the floating production unit and wells, plus roughly $2 billion for the pipeline to Egypt. The Block 6 (Cronos) development uses a tie-back to existing Egyptian infrastructure, lowering upfront cost. Total infrastructure investment across all Cyprus projects could reach $15-20 billion over the coming decade.

### What are the fiscal terms for Cyprus oil and gas?
Cyprus uses Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) with 10% royalty on production. After cost recovery (typically 30-40% of production), remaining profit oil is split between the state and contractors based on R-factor triggers. The regime is considered competitive with regional peers.

### When are final investment decisions expected?
Aphrodite (Chevron) FID is targeted for 2026, following the April 2026 Egypt offtake deal. Cronos (Eni, Block 6) FID is also expected in 2026. The larger Block 10 development (Glaucus and Pegasus, ExxonMobil) was declared a commercial discovery in June 2026, with FID anticipated around 2029 and production near 2033.

### What gas price is needed for Cyprus projects?
Cyprus projects generally require gas prices of $4-6 per MMBtu to achieve commercial returns. Egypt pipeline option for Aphrodite has lower breakeven than standalone FLNG. Block 6 cluster development benefits from shared infrastructure reducing unit costs.

### How do Turkish claims affect Cyprus development?
Turkey disputes Cyprus EEZ boundaries and rejects the island's licensing. Tensions persisted through 2025-2026 — including Turkey's contested maritime deal with Libya and objections to the Great Sea Interconnector — but no physical disruption of drilling inside the Cyprus EEZ was reported in this period, and the 2025-2026 exploration and development milestones proceeded on schedule with Cyprus government and EU support. Leaders of the two Cypriot communities resumed contacts in 2026.