Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — A U.S. company has been drilling for energy off the
coast of Israel.

Atwood Oceanics said it was working at an offshore energy bloc off the coast of Israel.

The company, based in Houston, Texas, said its Atwood
Beacon rig would conclude operations in the Israeli project by July.

“The rig will then mobilize to Italy in direct continuation of this contract and will incur certain costs related to compliance with local laws and regulations,” Atwood said.

In a statement on June 5, Atwood did not provide details of the project, headed by Shemen Oil and Gas. Atwood has been drilling in the eastern Mediterranean for more than six months.

  Atwood Oceanics, Shemen Oil and Gas, Texas firm sets up rig off Israeli coast