Greece is counting down to the September 10 deadline for binding offers in its international tender for hydrocarbon exploration and production rights, a contest that could reshape the country’s role in the eastern Mediterranean energy map.

The bidding process covers offshore blocks located south of Crete and the Peloponnese, as well as the smaller “A2” block. Energy analysts say the remaining weeks allow time for companies to finalize consortiums or decide whether to participate independently.

One of the most closely watched moves is that of HELLENiQ ENERGY, Greece’s leading energy group. The company has set up separate subsidiaries for each of the major blocks, signaling its intention both to compete and to join potential partnerships. Since HELLENiQ lacks direct experience in oil and gas exploration, market sources suggest it could join forces with Chevron, with the American major taking the role of operator and majority stakeholder.

Despite geopolitical pressures from nearby countries, Chevron is widely expected to play a central role in the tender, underscoring the region’s growing strategic importance.

Meanwhile, BP and Eni have also expressed interest, reportedly reviewing data through Greece’s Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company. Neither group has disclosed its intentions, but industry insiders expect any formal bids to be revealed close to the deadline, consistent with common practice in such tenders.

For Greece, attracting strong international participation is not just about energy reserves but also about positioning itself within a broader Mediterranean energy landscape that stretches from Israel and Cyprus to Libya and Egypt.