(ANSA) - ATHENS, APR 15 - A consortium led by ExxonMobil and Greek companies Energean and Helleniq Energy signed an agreement in Athens with Stena Drilling, the owner of the floating drilling platform that will be used for offshore hydrocarbon exploration in Block 2 in the northwestern Ionian Sea, according to Ana-mpa news agency. At the contract signing, Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou stated that if the strong indications of natural gas in the area are confirmed, it would be a significant boost to Greece's economic growth and geopolitical position. According to data presented by Energean CEO Mathios Rigas, the area's estimated natural gas reserves total around 270 billion cubic metres. (ANSA).