Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, recently held two high-level meetings with the leadership of the UK-based Shell and Malaysia’s PETRONAS to discuss stepping up exploration and development in the West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) concession, Egypt’s largest offshore natural gas asset in the Mediterranean.

The meetings were attended by Dalia ElGabry, Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Egypt, as well as Hany Esmat, CEO and Country Chair of PETRONAS Egypt, according to a statement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR).

During the meeting, Badawi underscored the importance of accelerating drilling, development, and exploration programs in alignment with the first pillar of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ strategy to boost domestic production and secure the nation’s natural gas requirements. He highlighted that the Ministry is committed to creating a competitive investment climate and fostering balanced partnerships that encourage the flow of new capital while ensuring the rapid development of recent discoveries.

The leaders of both companies commended the MoPMR for its efforts to resolve outstanding arrears owed to foreign partners. They affirmed that these measures have strengthened the confidence of international oil companies in Egypt’s investment environment, paving the way for accelerated capital inflows, expanded exploration programs, and the advancement of new projects.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for Phase 12A of the West Delta Deep Marine project, which will see the drilling of new gas production wells next year alongside efforts to pursue promising exploration opportunities in the area.

The minister also reviewed Shell’s ongoing drilling program, which aims to bring the Mina West gas field online during the last quarter of 2026. This will support the ministry’s plans to increase domestic natural gas production rates.

WDDM is managed by Burullus Gas Company, which is a joint venture (JV) between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), Shell’s BG Delta, and PETRONAS, alongside Rashid Petroleum Company (Rashpetco).

In April 2026, Petroleum Marine Services (PMS), an Egyptian offshore construction and services company, was awarded the offshore works contract for Phase 12 of the WDDM Field Development Project.