A sense of anticipation surrounds planned Q3 drilling of US major ExxonMobil’s first ever well offshore Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean. To say aspirations of becoming a gas exporter, or even a regional hub, hinge on ExxonMobil’s success would be jumping the gun, but it could prove to be a decisive twelve months for Cyprus’ gas dreams.

MEES understands Sweden's Stena Drilling has won the contract to drill the well in Block 10. Sources with knowledge of the area’s geology believe there is a large likelihood the US major will discover gas. (CONTINUED - 1029 WORDS)