ExxonMobil, in partnership with QatarEnergy, has made a major gas discovery at the Nefertari-1 well located in the North Marakia Block off the northern coast of Egypt.
This well, drilled in December 2023, has uncovered gas-bearing reservoirs in the Cretaceous formation. Early estimates suggest reserves of 3 to 5 trillion cubic feet of gas, marking it as one of the most promising finds in recent years.
This successful drilling effort also represents ExxonMobil’s first exploration offshore Egypt.
The Nefertari-1 well was drilled using the Valaris DS-9 drillship at a water depth of approximately 1,720 meters, about five miles from the coast.
Its strategic location near existing infrastructure is expected to enable efficient development. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum has expressed optimism regarding this discovery, viewing it as an opportunity to attract further investment into the country’s energy sector.
This discovery comes at a critical time for Egypt, as natural gas production has declined to its lowest levels since 2017.
The country, which had not imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) for six years, has recently resumed LNG imports to meet domestic demand.
The successful drilling at Nefertari-1 could reverse this trend, bolstering Egypt’s ambitions to resume LNG exports by 2027.
ExxonMobil’s journey in the North Marakia Block began in 2019 when it acquired operational rights. In 2022, it sold a 40% stake to QatarEnergy, underscoring the growing interest in the Eastern Mediterranean as a prime exploration zone.
The region’s proximity to energy-hungry markets in Europe and the Middle East has drawn the attention of major companies, including Chevron, BP, Shell, and Eni, who have been actively exploring the area.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy. The find could have a ripple effect on Egypt’s economy, creating jobs in sectors such as drilling, construction, and support services.
Moreover, as Egypt strives to position itself as a regional energy hub, successful developments like Nefertari-1 enhance the country’s appeal to foreign investors.
As ExxonMobil continues evaluating the results from Nefertari-1, there is growing anticipation about what this discovery could mean for both the company and Egypt.
If confirmed, the find could become one of Egypt’s most significant gas discoveries since Chevron’sNargis find earlier in 2023.
The potential for large gas reserves not only promises to improve Egypt’s energy security but also strengthens its position as a key player in the global energy market.
The find offers the promise of revitalizing natural gas production, attracting much-needed investments, creating jobs, and bolstering energy security for the country.
As developments unfold, this discovery is expected to shape Egypt’s future in the global energy industry.
