A high-level field inspection was conducted at the EDC-11 drilling rig within the North Bahariya Petroleum Company (Norpetco) concession to evaluate operational efficiency and safety performance. The visit follows directives from Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, regarding the necessity of direct leadership engagement at production sites to ensure sustainable output.
The inspection focused on the technical readiness of equipment, routine maintenance activities, and the rigorous application of occupational health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards. Officials assessed the rig’s adherence to operating plans and examined safety systems designed to protect personnel while meeting production targets.
The Egyptian Drilling Company (EDC) currently operates a modern fleet of onshore and offshore rigs as a key contractor supporting Egypt’s exploration and production activities.
The delegation was led by Ehab Ragaee, First Undersecretary for Production Affairs at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR), and Wael Lotfy, Undersecretary for Projects at MoPMR, according to a statement by MoPMR.
They were joined by members of the EDC Board of Directors, headed by Chairman and Managing Director Osama Kamel, in the presence of Norpetco Chairman Khaled El Sheshtawy.
During the site visit, Ragaee and Lotfy held discussions with rig personnel regarding performance levels and operational challenges. The officials emphasized that strict compliance with HSE standards remains a top priority, equal in importance to achieving production goals. Protecting personnel was underscored as the foundation for the sector’s operational success.
EDC, a joint venture between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and international partners, continues to provide critical services to the oil and natural gas sector. This field visit reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards across all Western Desert concessions while supporting the technical readiness required for future exploration.
