The Valaris DS-12 drilling vessel has arrived in Egyptian territorial waters, marking the start of a new phase in natural gas exploration activities in the Mediterranean. The move is part of a broader program to drill four new wells for BP and Arcius Energy.

The vessel is scheduled to begin operations by drilling one production well and one exploratory well for BP, followed by two additional exploratory wells for Arcius Energy, a joint venture between BP and the UAE’s ADNOC.

These developments reflect growing confidence among major global energy companies in Egypt’s petroleum investment climate, supported by incentives and reforms implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to encourage exploration and boost production.

In collaboration with international partners, the ministry is pursuing an ambitious plan for 2026 that includes drilling more than 100 exploratory wells, alongside development wells in existing fields, aimed at maximizing the utilization of oil and gas resources and driving new discoveries.

Current exploration efforts are considered a key pillar for gradually and sustainably increasing domestic production, paving the way for a significant expansion in Egypt’s gas sector over the next five years.