Arcius Energy, an affiliate of BP and ADNOC, is preparing to start a two-well offshore gas drilling program in Egypt’s Mediterranean waters, with the campaign focused on the Atoll West and Nofret prospects.
Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum said the work forms part of a wider plan to drill more than 100 exploratory oil and gas wells in 2026 with investment partners. For Arcius Energy, the upcoming campaign is intended to support its exploration and upstream activity in Egypt.
Ahead of the start, the drillship Valaris DS-12 departed the Port of Las Palmas in Spain and is heading to the Middle East. The vessel is being mobilized for the drilling work offshore Egypt.
The ministry said a recent inspection was carried out to confirm the drillship’s operational readiness. It said the visit reviewed the efficiency of onboard operations, the safety systems in place, and the competence of the personnel.
The campaign also adds to continuing gas exploration activity in the Mediterranean offshore Egypt, where Shell recently reported promising drilling results.
