BP multinational announced on April 8, 2026, a new natural gas discovery in the Eastern Mediterranean, off the coast of Egypt, following the drilling of the El-Dennis West-1 exploration well. This well is located in the El-Tamsah concession area, about 70 kilometers off the coast, at a water depth of 95 meters. The identified reservoir consists of high-quality sandstone with a total estimated thickness of 90 meters, showing geological characteristics similar to the neighboring Temsah and Denise fields, which have been in operation since 2001.
The development of this resource is facilitated by its geographical proximity to existing facilities, located less than 10 kilometers from the well, allowing for an accelerated production schedule. This operation is part of a binding agreement signed in July 2025 between BP, the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC). This agreement renews the El-Tamsah concession for a period of 20 years.
Contractually and operationally, BP holds a 50% stake in this concession, equally with the Italian company Eni. The latter serves as the operator for the development of the Denise field through Petrobel, a joint venture formed with EGPC. In parallel, BP strengthens its position in the region with the recent acquisition of two other offshore blocks, North East El Alamein (100% owned) and West El Hammad (25% owned alongside Eni), also located near major infrastructure.
To support Egyptian national production, BP has mobilized the DS-12 drilling platform for a campaign involving five firm wells and three optional wells in deepwater areas. The company is also expanding its exploration activities in the Red Sea following an agreement with the South Valley Egyptian Petroleum Holding Company (GANOPE) for the acquisition of Block 6. These investments add to the group’s historical presence of over 63 years in the Egyptian energy sector.
