Eni, BP make new Egypt gas discovery using directional drilling8 May 2026 07:17
Eni and BP have made a new offshore natural gas discovery in Egypt’s Nile Delta region using advanced directional drilling technology from an onshore location.
According to the report, the discovery follows the drilling of the Nidoco N-2 exploratory well in the West Abu Madi concession area, operated by Eni in partnership with BP and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) through Petrobel
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the discovery is expected to produce approximately 50 million cubic feet per day (cf/d) of natural gas.
The well is located around 3km offshore in shallow waters with a depth of approximately 10 metres near Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.
Operations were conducted using directional drilling technologies from an onshore drilling site, a method aimed at reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.
Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, visited the EDC-56 drilling rig that carried out the drilling operations and said the discovery reflects growing momentum in Egypt’s upstream sector
Badawi said ongoing efforts to settle outstanding dues owed to international energy partners have strengthened investor confidence and encouraged increased exploration and production activity.
“This highlights the state’s commitment to strengthening partner confidence and fostering an attractive investment environment,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry added that the regular settlement of dues has encouraged operators to expand drilling programmes, increase production and invest further in mature field development.
The Nidoco N-2 well is located less than 2km from existing production infrastructure, allowing for rapid connection to nearby facilities and accelerated early production.
Officials said the proximity to existing infrastructure is expected to improve capital efficiency while supporting domestic gas supply requirements.
The discovery also marks another exploration success for Eni in Egypt, coming just one month after the company announced a separate gas and condensate discovery offshore the country.
Egypt continues to position natural gas development as a central component of its energy strategy amid growing domestic demand and regional export ambitions.