Shell and KUFPEC discover gas offshore Egypt

KUWAIT CITY, November 23, 2023 – Shell and partner Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) have made a gas discovery at the Mina West play in Egypt’s Mediterranean Sea, the British energy giant announced on Tuesday.

The well located on the North East El-Amriya concession or Block 3 confirmed the presence of a gas-bearing reservoir.

The play was drilled by the Stena Forth drillship contracted from UK-headquartered vessel operator Stena Drilling.

It is the first prospect in a three-well exploration campaign named Mina West.

“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,” said Khaled Kacem, vice-president and country chair of Shell Egypt.

“Shell, together with its partners, will continue to work towards safely and efficiently reaching the development phase of the block.”

In September 2023, KUFPEC acquired a 40% stake in the North East El-Amriya concession, with Shell retaining a 60% stake with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company.

The discovery is part of a USD 1.8-billion drilling campaign announced by Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarke El Molla in July 2023 that involves Eni, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell and BP.

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