Another decisive step towards achieving the first research drilling in the country after almost half a century, it will be done tomorrow with the signing of the drilling contract for Block 2 in the Northwest Ionian Sea.
The drilling contract will be signed by the consortium ExxonMobil – Energean – HELLENiQ Energy and the company Stena Drilling, in the presence of the Minister for Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou and the presentation of the Geotrisis Program will follow from the consortium.
The consortium is expected to implement the research drilling in February 2027, by Stena DrillMAX.
The Stena DrillMAX is a 6th generation geo-hole ship, built in 2007 by Samsung Heavy Industries and operated by Stena Drilling. It belongs to the DrillMAX series, a group of high standards ships designed to exceed the limits of offshore drilling.
One of the key characteristics of Stena DrillMAX is its ability to operate in oversea waters. It is designed to operate at depths of water up to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) and perform drilling at depths up to 35,000 feet (over 10 km) allowing access to deposits that were once considered inaccessible.
Its performance is based on modern technological systems:
* Dynamic installation (DP3): Uses computer-controlled propellers to maintain its position without anchoring.
* Dual activity system: It allows simultaneous drilling operations, reducing time and cost, a function known as dual-activity driling.
* BOP: Security system which controls pressure and seals the well in case of emergency, preventing uncontrolled oil or gas outflows. In the context of increased environmental sensitivity and stricter rules such technologies are necessary.
The above makes the ship capable of operating continuously and safely in difficult conditions.
Size and possibilities
Length: 228 meters
Width: 42 metres
Transport capacity: around 97,000 tonnes
Crew: up to 180 persons
It also has large warehouses for fuel and equipment, allowing long-term shipments without refuelling. It includes energy production systems, heavy cranes, specialized drilling equipment and environmental protection valves.
Stena DrillMAX is the first drill to receive DNV certification "Abate (P)", to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
The event to be held tomorrow at RIS will also be attended by the United States Ambassadors, Mrs. Kimberly Gilfoyle and Sweden, Hakan Emsgart.
