Eni discovery extends gas play offshore Egypt

Eni has discovered gas at the Bashrush prospect in the North El Hammad licence offshore Egypt’s Nile Delta.

The new discovery is in 22 metres (72 feet) of water, 11 km (7 miles) from the coast and 12 km (7.5 miles) north-west of the Nooros field and about one km (0.6 mile) west of the Baltim South West field, both already in production.

The well discovered a single 152 metres (499 feet) thick gas column within the Messinian age sandstones of the Abu Madi formation with excellent petrophysical properties, the company said. The well will be tested for production.

The Bashrush discovery further extends to the west the gas potential of the Abu Madi formation reservoirs discovered and produced from the so-called “Great Nooros Area.”

It also demonstrates the significant gas and condensate potential of the Messinian formations in this sector of the Egyptian offshore shallow waters.

Eni, together with its partners BP and Total, in coordination with the Egyptian petroleum sector, will begin screening the development options of this new discovery, with the aim of fast-tracking production through synergies with the area’s existing infrastructures.

In the North El Hammad concession, which is in participation with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company, Eni through its affiliate IEOC holds 37.5% interest and is the operator, BP holds 37.5%, and Total holds the 25% of the contractor interest.

Later this year, Eni expects to drill the Nidoco NW-1 DIR exploration well in the Abu Madi West concession.

Source: Offshore Magazine