Mediterranean Gas Drilling Campaign Begins to Boost Production
A new offshore drilling campaign targeting four wells has begun in Egypt’s Mediterranean waters.
A new offshore gas drilling campaign has begun in Egypt’s Mediterranean waters following the arrival of the Valaris DS-12 drilling vessel.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the programme will target four wells, including one production well and one exploratory well for BP, followed by two exploratory wells for Arcius Energy, a joint venture between BP and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
The campaign forms part of a broader plan to expand offshore exploration and accelerate the development of gas resources to support domestic production and meet rising energy demand.
More than 100 exploratory wells are planned for 2026, alongside development drilling in existing fields, as part of efforts to increase output over the coming years.
The programme comes as payment arrears to international energy partners continue to be reduced. Outstanding dues, previously estimated at around USD 6.1 billion in mid-2024, are expected to fall to approximately USD 1.3 billion by the end of June 2026, with monthly payments continuing alongside the clearance of legacy debt.
Officials said improved payment conditions have supported increased investment activity, with companies including Eni, BP, Arcius Energy, Shell and Apache expanding exploration and development programmes across offshore and onshore sites.
