bp discovers gas offshore Egypt with fast-track potential

Key highlights
  • Denise W-1 discovery: gas and condensate in Temsah Concession ~70 km offshore (95 m water depth), ~90 m of gas-bearing sandstone and <10 km from existing infrastructure.
  • bp holds 50% and Eni 50% in the block, operated by Petrobel (Eni/EGPC); a binding head of agreement was signed in July 2025 to renew the Temsah Concession for 20 years.
  • bp mobilized drilling rig DS-12 to drill five firm and three optional deepwater wells to increase domestic gas production.
  • bp secured two new offshore blocks—North-East El Alamein (100% bp) and West El Hammad (bp 25%, Eni 75% operator)—and signed for Block 6 in the Red Sea with GANOPE.

Discovery details

The Denise W-1 well in the Temsah Concession found gas and condensate about 70 km offshore in 95 m water depth, encountering roughly 90 m of gas-bearing sandstone and sitting under 10 km from existing infrastructure, suggesting potential for fast-track development.

Reservoir context

The discovery shares reservoir characteristics with the nearby Temsah and Akhen fields, which have been producing since 2001.

Ownership and concession

bp holds a 50% working interest and Eni holds 50%; the block is operated via Petrobel (Eni/EGPC); the well follows a binding head of agreement signed in July 2025 to renew the Temsah Concession for 20 years.

Recent activity and new blocks

bp mobilized the DS-12 rig to drill five firm and three optional deepwater wells to boost domestic gas output; the company was also awarded North-East El Alamein Offshore (100% bp) and West El Hammad Offshore (bp 25%, Eni 75% operator) blocks, and signed an agreement with GANOPE for Block 6 in the Red Sea.