2/19/2026

Four offshore concession agreements were officially signed at the Maximos Mansion, marking what the government describes as a new chapter in the development of Greece’s domestic hydrocarbon resources. The agreements between the Greek State and a consortium formed by Chevron and HELLENiQ ENERGY concern hydrocarbon exploration in areas offshore Crete and the Peloponnese.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Greek State was represented by Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and Aristofanis Stefatos, CEO of the Hellenic Hydrocarbon and Energy Resources Management Company.

On behalf of the concessionaires, the agreements were signed by Chevron Vice President Gavin Lewis and HELLENiQ ENERGY CEO Andreas Siamisis.

“Greece Is Taking a Leap Forward in Energy”

Ahead of the ceremony, Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized that the four exploration blocks cover an extensive maritime area. The initial exploration program will span approximately 47,000 square kilometers, with plans for the total area under investigation to eventually double.

“The role of hydrocarbons remains significant,” the Prime Minister noted, highlighting Greece’s strategic investments in energy infrastructure, including pipelines and processing facilities. He also pointed out that Greece has evolved into an electricity-exporting country.

Referring to Europe’s broader energy shift, Mitsotakis described the decision to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas as a historic turning point that creates new opportunities for Greece. He stressed that the country’s existing infrastructure positions it well to serve as an alternative energy hub, mentioning the Vertical Corridor as a key route that could provide a viable substitute to Russian gas supplies.

In addition to the Prime Minister, remarks were delivered by Minister Papastavrou, the U.S. Ambassador to Athens, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Chevron representative Gavin Lewis, and HELLENiQ ENERGY CEO Andreas Siamisis.

Following the ceremony at the Maximos Mansion, a separate event is scheduled at the Acropolis Museum, where the main pillars of the exploration program and the next steps of the initiative will be presented.

Source: https://www.protothema.gr/politics/article/1774753/parousia-mitsotaki-oi-upografes-me-chevron-kai-helleniq-energy-gia-kriti-kai-peloponniso-deite-live/?fbclid=PAVERFWAP_zitleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaf98SJLJ8-CMykMPh6ous3BQDNCQEtHbvaQT4gHTLWyhhCsx26DoUzuAIylRA_aem_WJvMRkIVhbVf31nQx4CuRA