The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) has announced significant progress in the Raven gas field, operated by BP, located within the West Nile Delta (WND) Concession. This expansion is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to bolster natural gas production and energy security.
The Raven field has seen the successful drilling and completion of two new wells, thanks to the advanced capabilities of the Volaris DS12 Drill Ship. Minister Karim Badawi personally visited the site in July 2024 to oversee the operations, underscoring the project’s importance to Egypt’s energy landscape. Subsea hookup and commissioning activities are currently being executed to connect these wells to the existing subsea network in the Mediterranean, with production anticipated to begin three months ahead of schedule in February 2025.
Following the success at Raven, Volaris DS12 has set sail for the Elking exploration area in the Mediterranean. This new campaign targets gas reservoirs in the Lower Messinian Formation, with drilling expected to reach its target by late February 2025. Elking’s proximity to BP’s established infrastructure promises a swift transition to production, should exploratory results prove fruitful.
Dr. Youssef El-Molla, an energy analyst at the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), highlighted the strategic significance of the Elking exploration. “This initiative not only enhances our domestic gas supply but also strengthens Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub,” he commented. With the region’s existing infrastructure, any successful discoveries could be rapidly integrated into the national grid.
The activity in Elking aligns with the Ministry’s concerted efforts to amplify offshore drilling across the Mediterranean. This strategic drive has seen prominent companies like Chevron, ExxonMobil Egypt, and Eni escalating their exploration and production activities. Chevron recently drilled the Khanjar-1 well, ExxonMobil Egypt is advancing work on the Nefertari-1 well, and Eni has resumed operations in the renowned Zohr Field.
According to data from the Ministry, these initiatives form part of a broader goal to elevate Egypt’s natural gas output, which has already positioned the nation as a net exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in recent years. The country’s LNG exports are expected to continue growing, driven by increased production and strategic international partnerships.
