Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi conducted a tour of the rig vessel Valaris Ds-9  which is searching for natural gas in the North Marakia area in the West Mediterranean, and currently drilling the first exploratory gas well in the area in which ExxonMobil company is investing.

During the visit, the Minister reviewed the drilling operations at the Nefertari-1 well, which commenced in the second half of December 2024. He also assessed the use of advanced technologies and the implementation of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) measures during the operations.

Badawi affirmed that launch of drilling and exploration activities for natural gas in more than one area in the West Mediterranean during the last quarter of 2024 represents an important step within the strategy of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to expand exploration and research activities in an effort to add new reserves of oil and gas to Egypt’s resources.

He noted that the studies and seismic survey conducted by ExxonMobil and its use of the latest technologies will increase the chances of discovering new resources and achieving positive results in the North Marakia region.

The Minister emphasized that this visit marks his second to the West Mediterranean region to monitor field operations conducted by major international companies. It follows his earlier visit to the drilling platform in the North Dabaa concession in November.

Drilling wells for natural gas exploration in the West Mediterranean region began in the North Dabaa area operated by Chevron Company through drilling the Khanjar-1 well, and North Marakia for ExxonMobil Company by drilling the Nefertari-1 well.

It is noteworthy that ExxonMobil operates in the North Marakia concession area as a main operator with a 60% share, alongside its partner QatarEnergy Company with a 40% share, and it also invests in the Masry and AL-Qahira concession areas in the West Mediterranean.