October 30: Launch of major offshore seismic survey project in the Eastern Mediterranean

Cairo - Nadeh Imam: Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister, Eng. Karim Badawi, inspected the vessel “Commander” at the Port of Port Said to follow up on final preparations for the launch of the offshore seismic survey project in Egyptian waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The project is scheduled to begin on the 30th of the current month, utilizing modern Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) technology, marking one of the largest offshore seismic survey projects of its kind in the region.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Petroleum, the project is being implemented by the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), in collaboration with a global alliance of SLB and Fugro. The objective is to provide high-precision geological data regarding potential structures for natural gas presence underground, and to identify promising areas for exploration. This aims to support more accurate investment decisions and enhance the chances of achieving new discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean.

Badawi emphasized that expanding the application of modern seismic survey technology represents a key pillar for increasing the efficiency of exploration activities and maximizing the utilization of petroleum and gas potential across various regions of Egypt. He noted that the implementation of OBN technology in the Gulf of Suez contributed to raising well drilling success rates from 26% to 80%.

The minister clarified that these results reflect the importance of leveraging advanced technology to improve the precision of targeting drilling locations, thereby reducing risks and costs associated with exploration operations. This enhances investment efficiency and strengthens the prospects for positive outcomes. He added that the new project in the eastern Mediterranean extends the expansion of this technology, building on the experience gained from the Gulf of Suez project while enhancing integration between seismic survey results in different areas, including the Nile Delta. This allows for a more accurate picture of geological potential and supports the prioritization of exploration efforts.

The minister stressed the importance of adhering to the project’s timeline and maintaining continuous coordination among all partners, while accelerating data processing, analysis, and utilization. This will enable the conversion of survey results into technical and investment decisions that support natural gas exploration plans. He pointed out that the availability of accurate seismic data is a crucial factor in encouraging global oil companies to direct new investments into promising exploration areas by reducing uncertainty regarding targeted geological structures and improving the success rate of drilling operations.

For his part, Henning Berg, CEO and Board Member of Fugro, confirmed that the company possesses extensive global expertise in executing seismic survey works using Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) technology. He noted that Fugro has executed approximately 80% of such work worldwide, highlighting its experience in implementing similar projects in several Gulf Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This expertise enhances the utilization of technical and technological capabilities in executing the Egyptian project.

The project relies on seismic survey technology using sensors installed on the seabed (OBN), which enables the collection of high-precision geophysical data. This helps build clearer images of geological structures beneath the earth’s surface, supporting the evaluation of natural gas prospects and identifying the most suitable locations for exploratory well drilling.

The vessel “Commander” is the first ship participating in the project’s execution, with two other vessels set to join it. Survey operations will begin in the Deneb area off Port Said and Ras Ghareb, covering an initial area of approximately 300 square kilometers. This phase is planned to be completed by the end of the current year, in parallel with

Preparing for the subsequent phases by 2027.