bp Adds 2 Wells to Production, Launches Exploration Operations at Elking Offshore Egypt

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) announced the successful drilling and completion of two additional wells in the Raven gas Field operated by bp at West Nile Delta (WND) Concession, utilizing Volaris DS12 Drill Ship.

In July 2024, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi visited Volaris DS12 to oversee the drilling activities. Currently, subsea hookup and commissioning activities are ongoing to tie the two wells to the existing subsea network in the Mediterranean, paving the way for production to commence. First gas is expected three months ahead of schedule in February 2025 thanks to an accelerated drilling and installation plan.

Having accomplished such an achievement, Volaris DS12 is now underway to Elking exploration area offshore Egypt in the Mediterranean to commence an exploratory drilling campaign.

The campaign targets natural gas reservoirs in the Lower Messinian Formation, aiming to reach the reservoir by the end of February 2025. Elking exploration area is strategically located near BP’s WND existing infrastructure, including pipelines and production facilities, fast-tracking potential production in the event of successful discovery, contributing to the Ministry’s strategy of maximizing natural gas production and operational efficiency.

This exploratory activity in the Elking area aligns with the Ministry’s efforts over the past six months to boost offshore drilling activities in the Mediterranean. The region has witnessed a significant increase in exploration and production activities, including Chevron’s drilling in the Khanjar-1 well, ExxonMobil Egypt’s work on the Nefertari-1 well, bp’s developmental drilling in the Raven Field, and Eni’s resumption of drilling operations in the Zohr Field this month.