The offshore drilling rig Saipem 10000 completed sidetrack drilling operations at the Zohr-6 well, adding approximately 60 million cubic feet of natural gas per day (mmcf/d) to current production levels, according to a statement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining Resources(MoMPR).

This development aligns with MoMPR’s strategy aimed at increasing domestic production and ensuring the coverage of the needs of different sectors from energy sources.

After completing the drilling activities, the rig proceeded to its next planned tasks and began drilling operations at the Zohr-13 well. Engineering studies suggest that this well would add 55 mmcf/d of natural gas, further bolstering domestic production levels.

According to the statement, these outcomes highlight the ongoing collaboration between the MoMPR and Eni, the Italian operator of the Zohr field through its subsidiary , in line with previously agreed-upon development plans. The plans aim at upping the pace of drilling activities and field development by leveraging cutting-edge global deepwater technologies.

This progress is further supported by the unwavering commitment of the Egyptian government and its institutions, which actively promote investment in the nation’s petroleum sector, strive to maximize domestic production, and work to ensure both energy security and the sustainable management of resources.

In February 2025,  drilling at the Zohr field was resumed after the arrival of the Saipem 10000 drilling rig in Egyptian waters to carry out drilling operations and single-track 3 wells, starting with well Zohr 13, then Zohr 6, followed by Zohr 9 using the modern coiled tubing technology for the first time in the world in deep water, according to statements by Khaled Mowafy, chairman of  Belayim Petroleum Company (Petrobel), a joint venture between Eni’s Egyptian subsidiary and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC).