Shell Egypt announces promising gas discovery in North East El-Amriya Block

Shell Egypt has successfully completed the drilling of the first well in its exploration campaign, Mina West, located in the North East El-Amriya block in the Mediterranean Sea. Conducted in the offshore Nile Delta region, the drilling reached a water depth of approximately 250 meters below sea level. Preliminary data from this activity has confirmed the presence of a gas-bearing reservoir, indicating a promising find for Shell in Egypt’s energy sector.

Shell’s Exploration Campaign and Future Assessments

The exploration campaign involved the use of the Stena Forth rig, provided by Stena Drilling for Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) operations. The discovery in the North East El-Amriya block necessitates further evaluation of the acquired data to accurately determine the size and recoverable potential of the gas reservoir. Khaled Kacem, Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Egypt, emphasized the importance of this discovery in supporting Shell Egypt’s growth aspirations and commitment to Egypt’s energy landscape.

Shell and KUFPEC Partnership in the El-Amriya Block

In September, Shell Egypt entered into a Farm Out Agreement (FOA) with Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), under which KUFPEC acquired a 40% stake in the North East El-Amriya block. Shell retains a 60% stake in the partnership with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS). This partnership and the recent discovery highlight Shell’s strategic approach to expanding its presence in Egypt’s energy sector.

The recent discovery by Shell Egypt in the North East El-Amriya block represents a significant step in the exploration of natural gas resources in the Mediterranean Sea and reinforces Egypt’s position as a key player in the global energy market.