In statements on Friday, in Larnaca, Minister of Communications and Works Marios Demetriades said the government is engaged in talks with oil and gas companies to scope out what their demands are in terms of the area they would need to carry out their job, in relation to their exploratory work within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Already, he noted, the government has provided premises in Larnaca port to ENI’s subcontractor MEDSEV since August 2013. ENI, he said, is going ahead with the necessary infrastructure for its drilling.

At the same time, Demetriades said that the government has already decided to provide Noble with the areas it will need for its own infrastructure.

Replying to a question, he said that preparatory work relating to natural gas exploration is expected to finish by 2016. After that, he added, the companies’ needs may change and they may relocate elsewhere.

He said that in the context of the strategic study on the use of ports in Cyprus he has already met with all interested companies and has requested that they state their medium and long-term needs as regards natural gas exploration and exploitation.

Asked whether the companies are expected to hire staff from Cyprus, he said that this will certainly be the case, adding that the positive outcomes from the creation of infrastructure in Larnaca port will be many.

Source: Famagusta Gazette