A Mediterranean Gas Bonanza

UK energy titan BP has struck gas—again. This time, the discovery comes from the Mediterranean’s Egyptian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where the company’s Valaris DS-12 drillship hit pay dirt at the El Fayoum-5 well. Drilling began on February 14, 2025, and within weeks, BP confirmed the presence of four Messinian gas reservoirs, boasting a combined sand thickness of 50 meters at a depth of around 2,900 meters.

This isn’t just another gas find—it’s a strategic win for BP’s West Nile Delta (WND) gas development. The El Fayoum-5 well marks the final chapter in BP’s four-slot drilling campaign, setting the stage for a rapid tie-back to the existing WND infrastructure.

Fast-Tracking the Future

BP isn’t wasting any time. With the El Fayoum-5 discovery, the company is already planning to integrate the new gas reserves into its WND network. This follows hot on the heels of BP’s earlier success at the El King-2 well in the North King Mariout offshore concession.

William Lin, BP’s Executive Vice President of Gas & Low Carbon, emphasized the significance of the find: “This reinforces BP’s commitment to Egypt and its growing energy needs. With Raven Infills Phase 2 already boosting production, we’re fast-tracking the El King and Fayoum discoveries to tie into our West Nile Delta infrastructure.”

The WND project, which includes the Raven field, has been a cornerstone of BP’s Egyptian operations since its initial production phase in 2021. The project spans eight subsea wells, located up to 65 km offshore, in water depths ranging from 550 to 700 meters. BP holds an 82.75% stake in the project, with Harbour Energy owning the remaining 17.25%.

A Joint Venture Power Play

BP’s ambitions in Egypt don’t stop at drilling. The company recently formed a groundbreaking joint venture with ADNOC, dubbed the BP-XRG JV, to supercharge its gas portfolio in the region. This partnership aligns with Egypt’s ambitious goal of drilling 586 oil and gas wells by 2030, cementing the country’s position as a key player in the global energy market.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. A gas leak at the GTA project in Mauritania on February 19, 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the industry. Authorities in Mauritania and Senegal are collaborating to address the incident, highlighting the delicate balance between energy production and environmental stewardship.

Why This Matters

BP’s latest gas discovery isn’t just a win for the company—it’s a win for Egypt’s energy future. By fast-tracking tie-backs and leveraging cutting-edge drilling technology, BP is positioning itself as a leader in the global energy transition. With the BP-XRG JV in play, the company is doubling down on its commitment to sustainable growth, even as it navigates the complexities of offshore drilling.