Egypt’s Mediterranean Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (MOC 2026) concluded on 23 October with recommendations to accelerate exploration, increase oil and natural gas production, attract investment, expand regional energy cooperation and deploy advanced technologies across the sector, according to a statement by the petroleum ministry.
The conference’s recommendations called for intensifying exploration, accelerating the development of new discoveries and bringing them into production as quickly as possible to strengthen energy supplies and generate faster returns on investment.
Participants also emphasized improving recovery from existing fields, particularly mature fields, through advanced technologies, better reservoir management and more efficient wells and production operations.
They recommended expanding the use of advanced seismic surveys, processing and geophysical imaging, alongside improved drilling and completion techniques to enhance exploration results and reduce risks.
Greater data and technical knowledge sharing among companies was also identified as a priority to improve geological assessments and investment decisions.
The recommendations also called for continued efforts to improve the investment climate for exploration and production, update contractual and economic frameworks, and strengthen investor confidence through sustained dialogue, adherence to contractual commitments and clearer investment opportunities.
Participants also urged closer coordination among government bodies, national companies and international partners to address technical and operational challenges, accelerate project implementation and direct investment towards projects capable of increasing production and developing discoveries.
The conference highlighted the importance of maximizing Egypt’s role as a regional energy trading hub by making greater use of its infrastructure for receiving, transporting, processing and liquefying natural gas.
Recommendations included advancing regional cooperation to develop natural gas resources and facilitate their transportation and marketing. Participants also called for closer integration across exploration, production, infrastructure, liquefaction and trading to increase the economic value of resources and expand access to markets.
Continued coordination with regional and international partners was identified as essential to turn investment opportunities into viable projects and strengthen energy security across the Mediterranean.
Participants called for broader use of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics in exploration, reservoir assessment, production optimization and operational planning.
They also recommended improving data management and governance, enhancing data quality and integration, and ensuring secure access to information to support decision-making. Advanced seismic processing, geophysical imaging and digital modelling were identified as tools to improve understanding of geological structures and reduce exploration risks.
Other priorities included using digital solutions to manage risks and improve performance, strengthening cybersecurity, protecting data and critical systems, and expanding cooperation between petroleum companies, technology providers and research institutions.
On operational efficiency, the recommendations focused on reducing costs while maintaining occupational safety, health and environmental standards. Participants also called for applying modern technologies to improve asset performance, natural gas processing and offshore facilities management.
The conference concluded by underscoring the importance of continued coordination among the petroleum ministry, sector entities and companies, investment and technology partners, and academic institutions to increase production, attract investment, develop technical capabilities and capitalize on opportunities in the Mediterranean region.
Held between 20 and 22 October in Alexandria, MOC 2026 featured 11 high-level strategic sessions and 25 technical sessions, with 150 speakers presenting and discussing 104 technical and research papers.
Over three days, the event attracted about 2,000 participants and 3,000 visitors, with support from more than 25 international sponsors. More than 30 exhibitors showcased technologies and industrial solutions for the oil, natural gas and energy sectors.
