Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is set to launch its largest-ever Mediterranean gas drilling campaign in 2026, a move the government says will reinforce domestic supply, curb imports, and signal renewed confidence among Western energy investors in the country’s evolving energy strategy.
The programme, centered on the West Meina field in the North East Amriya offshore region, will be led by Shell plc in partnership with Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company. The four-well development is expected to deliver first production by the end of 2026, with projected output of around 160 million cubic feet of gas per day and approximately 1,900 barrels of condensate.
Officials describe the initiative as a cornerstone of Egypt’s effort to stabilize its energy balance amid rising domestic demand and shifting regional supply dynamics. Speaking during an offshore inspection visit, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said the campaign marks a significant milestone in the country’s broader plan to boost upstream output and ensure steady supplies for the local market.
The minister toured the STENA ICEMAX drillship as operations commenced on the first production well at West Meina. He characterized the project as evidence that Egypt’s revised investment framework — designed to offer clearer terms, faster approvals, and more predictable payment structures — is succeeding in attracting capital.
Rebuilding Production Momentum
Egypt’s natural gas sector has faced mounting pressure in recent years. After achieving near self-sufficiency following the development of major offshore fields, output declines and growing consumption have forced the country to resume imports to meet peak demand, particularly during summer months.
The new drilling campaign reflects Cairo’s push to reverse that trend. Authorities say the current year is already witnessing record drilling activity across multiple offshore blocks, as companies intensify efforts to tap new reservoirs and enhance medium-term capacity.
At West Meina, the wells will be tied back to existing infrastructure in the West Delta Deep Marine concession area, allowing for faster commercialization and lower development costs. Leveraging established subsea networks and processing facilities is seen as a key advantage in accelerating first gas while limiting capital expenditure.
Expanding the Exploration Frontier
According to Shell Egypt, the Mediterranean campaign forms part of a broader 2026 strategy aimed at both development and exploration. The company holds a 60 percent stake in West Meina, with KUFPEC controlling the remaining 40 percent.
Dalia El Gabry, chair of Shell Egypt, said the return of large-scale foreign investment underscores growing confidence in the country’s upstream framework. She cited improved regulatory coordination and a more transparent investment climate as drivers of renewed interest.
Beyond West Meina, the drilling programme includes the planned Sirius exploration well in North East Amriya and the Philox well in the North Cleopatra area of the Herodotus Basin. Officials believe these prospects could open additional Mediterranean frontiers, potentially adding new reserves to Egypt’s offshore portfolio.
Senior representatives from the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company attended the offshore inspection, highlighting the strategic importance Cairo places on expanding offshore gas production.
Energy Strategy and Regional Positioning
The Mediterranean campaign comes as Egypt seeks to reinforce its position as a regional gas hub linking producers in the eastern Mediterranean with markets in Europe and North Africa. Infrastructure investments including liquefaction facilities and pipeline connections, have given Cairo a strategic advantage, but sustained upstream output remains essential to maintaining that role.
Analysts say the success of the 2026 drilling drive will be critical not only for reducing Egypt’s gas import bill but also for restoring surplus capacity that could support exports during favorable market conditions.
For the government, the stakes extend beyond supply security. Revitalizing offshore gas production is central to economic stabilization efforts, foreign currency generation, and broader industrial growth. If the West Meina campaign and associated exploration wells deliver as planned, Egypt could regain momentum in a sector that has long been a pillar of its economic strategy and a barometer of investor confidence in its reform trajectory.
