The American energy giant Chevron has expressed interest in hydrocarbon exploration in two offshore blocks south of Crete, a move widely interpreted as indirect but tangible US support for Greece’s stance on its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The development carries geopolitical weight, as parts of the blocks lie in areas claimed under the illegal Turkey-Libya maritime agreement.
Greek officials view Chevron’s interest as a clear recognition of Greece’s EEZ, reinforcing Athens’ long-standing argument against Turkish claims in the region. The blocks were initially designated for exploration in 2014 through an international tender, and the areas of interest have been delineated with full respect for Egypt’s maritime rights.
This latest move comes as the timeline narrows for a new phase of research on the undersea electricity interconnector linking Greece, Cyprus and Israel. For months, Turkey has obstructed exploratory efforts related to the cable’s route, particularly in waters south of Kasos and Karpathos, citing its maritime claims. The involvement of a major US energy firm in the region strengthens Greece’s position against Turkish attempts to exert control over contested waters.
While Ankara has unilaterally submitted its claims on the Eastern Mediterranean’s continental shelf to the United Nations, experts say Chevron’s entry into the Greek offshore sector further bolsters Athens’ case for resuming work on the Great Sea Interconnector project. The new exploration blocks have been drawn with careful adherence to Egyptian maritime boundaries, notably omitting the southeastern portion of Block 20, which touches upon Greece-Egypt delimitation discussions.
Moreover, this second expression of interest from Chevron follows the government’s acceptance, two months ago, of the company’s interest in conducting explorations in the maritime area southwest of the Peloponnese and west of Crete. Senior Greek officials emphasize that this signals a significant vote of confidence from major global investors and aligns with the current US administration’s favorable stance on hydrocarbon exploration.
With the recent licensing of offshore blocks adhering to the median line principle – recognized in international maritime law – Greece’s position is further strengthened. Libyan authorities, despite historical alignment with Turkey, have also upheld the median line in their latest offshore licensing, underscoring growing international support for Athens’ claims.
As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Eastern Mediterranean, Chevron’s presence, following ExxonMobil’s recent investments, underscores Greece’s evolving role in regional energy strategy and security dynamics.