Global energy company Chevron has been granted an exploration study licence by the Government of Malta covering four offshore areas south of the islands.

The agreement, signed on April 24, covers Areas 1, 4, 5 and 7, and allows Chevron to carry out geological and geophysical desktop studies using existing data. This phase represents an initial step in assessing hydrocarbon potential and does not involve any offshore drilling.

In a statement, Kevin McLachlan, Chevron's Vice President of Exploration, described the move as "an exciting opportunity" to expand the company's presence in the Mediterranean. He said Chevron would collaborate with Malta's Continental Shelf Department to evaluate prospects in the licensed areas, highlighting the company's technical expertise and global experience in oil and gas development.

Chevron's regional footprint already includes producing gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean, offshore exploration blocks in Greece, and the Aphrodite gas field under development off Cyprus. The company is also active in Egypt, where it operates exploration blocks and participates in a joint venture.

The licence marks a renewed push in offshore exploration activity around Malta, which has remained largely dormant in recent years. In 2023, Albion Energy Malta Ltd, a subsidiary of a Jersey-based firm, was granted rights to explore two maritime zones southeast of Malta for a two-year period.

The Maltese government has not yet formally announced the agreement.