Egypt to roll out largest ever Mediterranean gas drilling project as Western investors gear up

Egypt is preparing to roll out its largest-ever Mediterranean gas drilling campaign in 2026, in a move officials say will strengthen domestic supply and reduce reliance on imports.

• Egypt plans its biggest Mediterranean gas drilling drive, targeting first output from West Meina by the end of 2026.
• Officials say the push will boost domestic supply and reduce the country’s gas import bill.
• Shell and KUFPEC are leading the four-well programme linked to existing offshore infrastructure.
• The move signals renewed confidence among foreign investors in Egypt’s evolving energy strategy.

Speaking during an inspection of new offshore activity, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said the programme marks a significant step in the country’s energy strategy. The minister visited the STENA ICEMAX drillship as operations began at the first production well in the West Meina field, located in the North East Amriya region.

Initial output from West Meina is expected by the end of 2026, with projected production of about 160 million cubic feet of gas per day alongside roughly 1,900 barrels of condensate.

Badawi said the project reflects the success of the ministry’s investment incentives, noting that the policies are designed to attract capital through “credibility and mutual benefit”. He added that the expanding drilling activity demonstrates progress towards boosting production and securing gas supplies for the domestic market.

The development comes as Egypt seeks to stabilise its energy balance amid rising local demand and fluctuating regional supply dynamics. Officials say the current year is already witnessing record drilling activity across several production zones as authorities pursue new reservoir discoveries to strengthen medium-term capacity.

Shell ramps up Mediterranean strategy amid rising investor confidence

According to Shell Egypt, the company has entered a new phase of its 2026 Mediterranean drilling plans. Chair Dalia El Gabry said the strategy aims to accelerate development of the West Meina field while continuing exploratory work.

“The return of strong foreign investment to the Egyptian petroleum sector demonstrates growing investor confidence,” El Gabry said, pointing to what she described as an improved investment climate under the ministry’s modernised approach.

Shell operates the site with a 60 percent stake, while Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company holds the remaining 40 percent. The wells will be tied back to existing infrastructure at the West Delta Deep Marine area.

Beyond West Meina, the programme includes the planned drilling of the Sirius exploration well in North East Amriya, followed by the Philox well in the North Cleopatra area of the Herodotus Basin. Officials say these steps could open new frontiers for Mediterranean gas discoveries.

Senior representatives from the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company and other government bodies attended the inspection, underscoring Cairo’s strategic importance of expanding offshore gas production in the coming years.