Energy major Eni plans to resume drilling activities at Egypt’s offshore Zohr field in January 2025, striving to boost production at one of the country’s largest gas deposits, according to Reuters. Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi stated that the company will spud two new development wells, with the drilling ship Saipem 10000 set to arrive this month.
The Zohr field represents the largest gas discovery made in the Mediterranean. Reaching peak production in 2019, the field has seen gradual output in recent years, with production measuring 1.9 billion cubic feet per day in the first half of 2024. Eni plans to increase output through the development of new wells.
Beyond the Zohr field, Eni is working to acquire new seismic data at the Nargis field – situated in the Nargis Offshore Area Concession in the Mediterranean Sea and operated by energy major Chevron. The data acquisition aligns with efforts by the company to maximize the field’s reserves while reducing gas flaring and identifying new development areas.
In discussions held with Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in January 2025, Eni – through its Egyptian subsidiary IEOC – underscored its commitment to advancing research and exploration operations. IEOC President Francesco Gaspari explained that a top priority of the company is to increase production and reserves.
Minister Badawi emphasized that international oil companies such as Eni have the full political support of the government. To incentivize exploration, the government is working to create a conducive environment for foreign operators, addressing the operational challenges faced. This includes the launch of a digital portal for mineral resources and a new international bid round – launched in August 2024 and set to conclude in February 2025. The round features 12 exploration blocks, including 10 offshore and 2 onshore.