ABOUT US

The Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (CHC) is the National Oil and Gas Company of Cyprus. It was established in its present form in March 2014. As a state-owned company, CHC is responsible for the commercial management of the upstream hydrocarbon ownership rights of the Republic of Cyprus that arise from the Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), and will manage any commercial participation by the Republic of Cyprus in midstream infrastructure projects such as land-based LNG or pipelines.

Our Vision

 

Optimum exploitation of hydrocarbons reserves presents in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus in order to maximize the benefits for the Cypriot Society and for future generations.
The company’s vision is compatible with the policy established by the Council of Ministers.

Legal Status

The Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company as prescribed by the Council of Ministers as the legal entity responsible for the management of the Republic’s participation in the activities of prospecting, exploring and exploiting hydrocarbons, based on Article 16 of the Hydrocarbons (Prospection, Exploration and Exploitation) Law of 2007.

The National Oil Company was established through the Council of Ministers’ decision no. 73.493, dated 2.5.2012, as a private limited liability company with the mandate to act as the commercial arm of the Republic of Cyprus, marketing the island’s share of any future hydrocarbons production and holding the government’s share in oil and gas infrastructure projects.

The Council of Ministers’ decision no. 75.903, dated 16.10.2013, defined the provisions of the company’s Articles of Association and officially authorized the company to undertake the management of the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in activities of prospection, exploration and exploitation of the Hydrocarbons.

CHC was set up in its present status on March 2014. The Company has a Board of seven (7) Non-Executive Directors that are appointed by the Ministerial Council and is managed by an Executive Team whose members were recruited primarily from Oil and Gas Majors covering skill sets from Geoscience to Production Engineering and Commercial Management.

Responsibilities

 

  • The commercial management of the ownership rights of the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) arising from the Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs).
  • Participates in the negotiations with potential Contractors for the conclusion of PSCs in support of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MECI).
  • Evaluates reports and deliverables provided by the Contractors in the PSCs, including Appraisal Reports and Field Development Plans in support of MECI.
  • Evaluates the potential of hydrocarbons in the EEZ of the RoC, evaluates the results of drilling activities and conducts economic analysis to evaluate the options and commerciality of hydrocarbon discoveries, in consultation with MECI.
  • Undertakes the management of assets for Contractors whose activities and PSC have been terminated, following the Council of Minister’s approval.
  • Evaluates the potential for commercial participation of the RoC in upstream gas pipelines or natural gas liquefaction infrastructure, following guidelines from the Minister of Energy.
  • Manages the ownership rights to upstream gas pipelines or liquefied natural gas infrastructure that the RoC holds or acquires, following guidelines from the Council of Ministers.
  • Participates or engages in hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities, following approval from the Council of Ministers.