Shell Egypt has reported the triumphant conclusion of the initial well drilling in its three-well exploration initiative, Mina West, sited in the North East El-Amriya block within the Mediterranean Sea.
The company disclosed that the drilling, situated at a water depth approximately 250 meters below sea level in the offshore Nile Delta, has yielded primary data affirming the existence of a gas-bearing reservoir. Further examination of the obtained data is imperative to ascertain the dimensions and recoverable potential of the discovery.
Shell enlisted the services of Stena Drilling and its Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) – Stena Forth rig for the execution of the drilling campaign, as specified in the announcement.
Khaled Kacem, Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Egypt, remarked, "This discovery is an important step forward for Shell Egypt, bolstering our growth aspirations and ongoing commitment as a key partner in Egypt’s energy landscape. Successful delivery of our current exploration campaign is part of Shell Egypt’s growth strategy. Shell, together with its partners, will continue to work towards safely and efficiently reaching the development phase of the block."
The progress follows a Farm Out Agreement (FOA) signed in September 2023 between Shell and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), wherein KUFPEC acquired a 40% stake in North East El-Amriya block, with Shell retaining the remaining 60% stake, alongside the partner’s share held with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS).
