Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has announced that three offshore blocks in the Kerala-Konkan (KK) basin have been cleared for oil exploration. 

A 3D seismic survey covering 1,028 sq km has been completed, and one location (Loc.OKKA) has been identified for exploratory drilling. In his reply to a question from UDF MP Adoor Prakash in Lok Sabha recently, the Minister said that the blocks include KK-OSHP-2018/1, awarded to Oil India (OIL), and KK-OSHP-2022/1 (shallow offshore) along with KK-DWHP-2022/1 (deep water offshore), both awarded to ONGC under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). All three blocks are currently active, with drilling planned at a site 48 km offshore, to a depth of 6,000 meters below the seabed. 

To support these operations, Cochin Port had signed an MoU with OIL in June 2025 to provide essential logistical infrastructure. The shore base facility will feature a warehouse, dry bulk handling plant, and exclusive jetty, ensuring round-the-clock support for offshore vessels. Services will include berthing, refueling, bulk transfer, potable water, and shore power. The agreement is valid for 12 months, extendable based on exploration progress.