Another decisive step toward carrying out the first exploratory drilling in the country after nearly half a century will be taken tomorrow with the signing of the drilling contract for Block 2 in the Northwestern Ionian.

The drilling contract will be signed by the consortium ExxonMobil – Energean – HELLENiQ Energy and the company Stena Drilling, in the presence of the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, and will be followed by the consortium’s presentation of the Drilling Program.

The consortium is expected to carry out the exploratory drilling in February 2027, using the Stena DrillMAX.

The Stena DrillMAX is a 6th-generation drillship, built in 2007 by Samsung Heavy Industries and operated by Stena Drilling. It belongs to the DrillMAX series, a group of high-specification vessels designed to push the limits of offshore drilling.

One of the key features of the Stena DrillMAX is its ability to operate in ultra-deep waters. It is designed to operate in water depths of up to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and to drill to depths of up to 35,000 feet (over 10 kilometers), enabling access to reserves once considered unreachable.

Its performance is based on advanced technological systems:

• Dynamic positioning (DP3): Uses computer-controlled thrusters to maintain its position without anchoring.
• Dual-activity system: Allows simultaneous drilling operations, reducing time and cost, a function known as dual-activity drilling.
• Blowout Preventer (BOP): A safety system that controls pressure and seals the well if necessary, preventing uncontrolled oil or gas leaks. In the context of increased environmental awareness and stricter regulations, such technologies are essential.

These features make the vessel capable of operating continuously and safely under difficult conditions.

Size and capabilities
Length: 228 meters
Width: 42 meters
Carrying capacity: approximately 97,000 tons
Crew: up to 180 people

It also has large storage facilities for fuel and equipment, allowing for long-term missions without refueling. It includes power generation systems, heavy crane equipment, specialized drilling tools, and environmental protection safeguards.

The Stena DrillMAX is the first drillship to receive the DNV “Abate (P)” certification for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.

At the event to be held tomorrow at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Ambassadors of the United States, Ms. Kimberly Guilfoyle, and of Sweden, Håkan Emsgård, will also be present.