Italian energy services company Saipem and Egypt’s Modern Drilling Company (MDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in oil and gas activities. The signing took place during the Mediterranean Offshore Conference and Exhibition (MOC 2026), held in Alexandria.

The MoU was signed by Alessandro Puliti, Saipem CEO, and Tamer Salah, MDC Chairman and Managing Director. It aims to establish opportunities for joint projects, exchange technical and technological expertise, and expand cooperation between Egyptian and international companies operating in the petroleum sector.

The agreement is intended to leverage the companies’ technical capabilities and experience to support potential joint operations and broaden opportunities for Egyptian firms to collaborate with international energy services providers.

Saipem is an engineering and energy services company specializing in engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) services for the energy sector. Its project portfolio in Egypt includes the Burullus Phase IV development and the Zohr gas field, where it carried out subsea infrastructure and pipeline installation work.

In January 2026, Egypt and Saipem examined progress on Phase 12 of the West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) gas development project. Discussions further highlighted plans to upgrade and modernize the company’s onshore and offshore fleet in Egypt, supporting the ramp-up of upcoming exploration activities.

Modern Drilling Company (MDC), formerly known as SinoTharwa Drilling Company, is an Egyptian drilling contractor that provides onshore and offshore drilling and workover services to oil and gas companies.