Egypt marine seismic survey initiatives

Egypt has initiated a series of advanced marine seismic survey projects to evaluate hydrocarbon resources. The first phase, announced by Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi, involves an 18,000 square kilometer survey in the Eastern Mediterranean using Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) technology. This project is being implemented by the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) in collaboration with SLB and Viridian.

Following this, the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO) signed a contract with SLB to conduct a 1,035 square kilometer survey in the central and southern Gulf of Suez. This initiative, supported by Emirati partner Dragon Oil, also utilizes OBN technology to enhance oil discovery opportunities and increase local production.

Minister Badawi noted that previous applications of OBN technology in the region helped increase exploratory well success rates from 26% to 80%. The Eastern Mediterranean project, scheduled to begin on October 30, will utilize the vessel ‘Commander’ to provide high-precision geological data. This initiative is part of a broader integrated program aimed at covering a total area of 95,000 square kilometers to evaluate undiscovered hydrocarbon resources and attract international investment.