Lefkosia is putting strict adherence to the timetable for the development of the Aphrodite field in the Cypriot EEZ at the top of its agenda, following a meeting in New York between President Christodoulides and the new Chevron Chairman, Javier la Rosa. According to the Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letibiotis, the preliminary studies (prefit) will be completed by the end of 2025, while the offshore geotechnical and geological surveys for the subsea installations and the pipeline route to Egypt will start in June. The recent agreement in Cairo is described as a “milestone” that paves the way for rapid development of the field, with benefits for the Cypriot consumer.

Signal of confidence

President Christodoulides congratulated Mr. la Rosa on his assumption of office and underlined that Chevron’s presence in the Cypriot EEZ is a strong vote of confidence in the energy prospects of Cyprus and the wider region. “I look forward to our discussions on what is outstanding so that we can move forward quickly. For us, for the Republic of Cyprus, for the Cypriot people, time is very important,” he said, calling for accelerated implementation of what has been agreed.

From the Nicosia side, it was stressed that the cooperation with Chevron remains close and regular, both with the relevant Ministry of Energy and the President himself, with the aim of ensuring the smooth progress of the project.

Timetable and technical progress

Letybiotis said that “all schedules” set for the Aphrodite deposit have been “met so far”. By the end of 2025, preliminary studies (prefit) are expected to be completed, while offshore geotechnical and geological surveys, necessary for the subsea installations and the pipeline’s route to the Egyptian infrastructure, have been carried out since June.

Milestone agreement with Egypt

The recent agreement signed in Cairo is described by Nicosia as “very important” and “landmark” as it creates the conditions for the field to be developed as soon as possible. The central objective is to exploit the natural wealth of the Cypriot EEZ with tangible benefits for consumers in Cyprus and with the prospect of wider regional exploitation.

Chevron’s prolonged and “dynamic” presence in the Cypriot EEZ, the government spokesman noted, sends a message of stability and confidence “in all directions”. The company, in close cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus, remains committed to the exploitation of “Aphrodite”, the first natural gas field discovered in the Cypriot EEZ, which also highlights the geopolitical importance of the region. At the same time, Nicosia sees cooperation in the energy field as part of its relations with the US, a strategic partner with whom “we are working together in all areas”, the President said.

Future steps

It is envisaged that a close and institutional line of communication between the Cyprus Presidency and Chevron will be maintained to monitor progress, with an emphasis on meeting agreed milestones until the completion of studies and the necessary technical decisions on the subsea facilities and the pipeline to Egypt.