BP Strikes Gold Again: Mediterranean Gas Discovery Fuels Egypt’s Energy Future

Another Big Win for BP in the Mediterranean

BP, the UK-based energy titan, has struck gas once again—this time in the Mediterranean, within Egypt’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Using the cutting-edge Valaris DS-12 drillship, the company hit pay dirt at the El Fayoum-5 well on February 14, 2025. The well revealed four promising Messinian gas reservoirs, boasting a total sand thickness of 50 meters at a depth of around 2,900 meters. This discovery marks the final chapter in BP’s four-slot drilling campaign in the West Nile Delta (WND), wrapping up operations on March 6.

This isn’t just another notch on BP’s belt—it’s a strategic move to bolster Egypt’s energy infrastructure. The company is already planning to integrate the El Fayoum-5 discovery into its existing West Nile Delta gas development. This follows hot on the heels of BP’s recent success at the El King-2 well in the North King Mariout offshore concession, proving the region’s untapped potential.

Fast-Tracking Egypt’s Energy Revolution

William Lin, BP’s Executive Vice President of Gas & Low Carbon, emphasized the company’s commitment to Egypt’s growing energy demands. “This discovery reinforces BP’s dedication to Egypt,” Lin said. “With Raven Infills Phase 2 already boosting production, we’re accelerating plans to tie the El King and Fayoum discoveries into our West Nile Delta infrastructure.”

The West Nile Delta gas development is a sprawling network of gas condensate fields offshore Egypt, spanning the North Alexandria and West Mediterranean Deepwater concessions. The Raven field, the final phase of the WND project, has been operational since early 2021. The initial phase involved eight subsea wells, located up to 65 km offshore, at depths ranging from 550 to 700 meters. BP holds an 82.75% stake in the project, with Harbour Energy owning the remaining 17.25%.

BP’s Bold Moves: Joint Ventures and Environmental Safeguards

BP isn’t stopping at discoveries. The company recently formed a groundbreaking joint venture with ADNOC, dubbed the BP-XRG JV, to supercharge its gas portfolio in Egypt. This partnership aligns with Egypt’s ambitious goal of drilling 586 oil and gas wells by 2030, a key pillar of the country’s energy investment strategy.

However, the road to energy dominance isn’t without its bumps. On February 19, 2025, a gas leak was reported at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 project. BP, in collaboration with Mauritania’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, launched an in-depth investigation to mitigate environmental risks. The company worked closely with the Ministry of Petroleum, the Ministry of Fisheries, and Senegalese authorities to ensure the situation was handled responsibly.