Chevron is interested in energy exploration in Greece, the U.S. oil producer and the country's energy ministry said on Monday.

Chevron, a U.S. oil major, is interested in exploring for hydrocarbons in Greece's marine areas, indicating a strategic move towards energy independence.

U.S. oil producer Chevron has expressed interest in exploring for hydrocarbons southwest of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, the Greek energy ministry said on Monday. The ministry's statement added that it would issue a decision this week on the exact area of exploration and would launch an international tender soon.