Chevron Reports Positive Gas Discovery Results at Egypt’s Nargis-2 Well

Standing aboard the Stena Forth drilling vessel last May, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi watched as operations began on the Nargis-2 well. This week, that effort yielded results, as Chevron and the ministry confirmed successful drilling operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

Expanding Mediterranean Exploration

The Nargis-2 well reached a total depth exceeding 5,000 meters, according to a joint announcement from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Chevron. The project, operated by Chevron alongside partners including Italy’s Eni, the UAE’s Mubadala, and Egypt’s Tharwa Petroleum, aims to assess the full scale of the Nargis discovery originally made in 2022.

Data from the latest drilling confirms the presence of gas-bearing layers that extend from the previously identified Nargis-1 well. Furthermore, engineers identified an additional gas-bearing layer with favorable characteristics. Evaluation of the site revealed net gas-bearing thickness of up to 35 meters. These findings support ongoing technical studies to calculate the total potential of the discovery and accelerate commercial development.

Strategic Development Goals

The Nargis-2 project serves a broader ministry strategy to convert undeveloped discoveries into active reserves. By testing deeper geological formations, including those with high pressure and high temperature, the partnership seeks to expand the Mediterranean region’s energy footprint. Minister Badawi has consistently emphasized the need to increase cooperation with global energy firms to boost domestic natural gas output.

Why it matters: This development is critical for Egypt’s energy sector as the government works to accelerate the production of undeveloped gas fields. Strengthening partnerships with international firms like Chevron and Eni is central to the nation’s goal of converting exploration successes into tangible reserves that can bolster domestic supply and economic growth.