Eni announced the discovery of a single 152 meters thick gas column within the Messinian age sandstones of the Abu Madi formation in the Mediterranean Sea offshore Egypt, according to a statement. 

In collaboration with BP and Total, Eni has successfully drilled the first exploration well in the North El Hammad license, in the conventional Egyptian waters of the Nile Delta on Bashrush prospect at 22 meters of water depth. The well is in the Great Nooros Area, and located 11 kilometers (km) from the coast, 12 km North-West from the Nooros field, and about one km west of the Baltim South West field. The statement indicates that the well is set up to be tested for production.

This discovery denotes the significant gas and condensate potential of the Messinian formations in this sector of the Egyptian Offshore shallow waters.  Additionally, Eni aims to fast track the production through synergies with the area’s existing infrastructures. The company stated that with this new discovery, it will continue to explore and drill the Great Nooros Area. Adding that Nidoco NW-1 DIR well, which is located in the Abu Madi West concession, has been assigned for exploration later this year.

It should be noted that in participation with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), Eni holds 37.5% working interest in the North El Hammad concession, whereas BP and Total hold 37.5%, and 25% of working interest, respectively.