The first phase of development at the Zohr gas field is in its final stages, according to the Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

The drilling for the offshore wells that were planned for the first phase has been completed, the Head of Petrobel, Atef Hassan, said.

During a visit to the new gas field, El Molla confirmed that the project is moving ahead on schedule, adding that the president and prime minister are both monitoring Zohr’s development.

Petrobel is currently conducting pre-operation trials at the gas-processing plant, Hassan said.

The company has already completed the installation of the offshore control platform and installed pipelines to transport gas from the offshore wells to the onshore gas-processing plant, Hassan noted.