Shell Egypt has made a significant breakthrough by discovering a new gas field in the North East Ameryia concession located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Alexandria. The company successfully and safely completed the drilling of the first well, Mina West, as part of its exploratory project to drill three wells.
In a statement released on its official page, Shell revealed, “The well, drilled 250 meters below the sea surface, has shown the presence of a gas-bearing layer. Ongoing evaluation and data collection processes are in place to determine the extent of the find and the expected production.”
It is important to note that Shell contracted Stena Drilling for the operation, utilizing the Stena Forth MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit) for the drilling processes.
Khaled Kassem, Chairman of Shell Companies in Egypt, expressed his optimism, stating, “This discovery marks a significant step forward for Shell Egypt, enhancing our aspirations for further expansion and positive impact in the local market. This successful completion of our current exploratory campaign is part of Shell’s growth strategy in Egypt. Shell, along with its partners, is committed to rapidly developing the field with utmost efficiency, adhering to the highest safety standards.”
Earlier this year, in September, Shell entered into an agreement with the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC). Under this agreement, KUFPEC acquired a 40% stake in Sector 3, while Shell retained the remaining 60% in partnership with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS).
This discovery by Shell Egypt is a promising development for Egypt’s energy sector, particularly in the context of the country’s ongoing efforts to become a regional energy hub. The discovery in the Mediterranean Sea not only reinforces Egypt’s position in the energy market but also highlights the potential of the region’s underexplored areas. Shell’s commitment to further exploration and development in Egypt demonstrates confidence in the country’s energy resources and its regulatory environment. As Egypt continues to attract international investment in its energy sector, such discoveries are pivotal for economic growth, energy security, and the potential for exporting natural gas, aligning with the country’s vision of becoming a key player in the Mediterranean energy landscape.