Egypt Receives Valaris DS-12 Drilling Ship to Launch New Mediterranean Gas Wells

Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced on Monday the arrival of the drilling vessel Valaris DS-12 in Egyptian territorial waters, marking the start of a new phase in offshore gas exploration activities in the Mediterranean.

In a statement, the ministry said the vessel’s deployment is part of a broader program to drill four new gas wells in cooperation with BP and Arcius Energy.

The plan includes drilling one production well and one exploratory well for BP, followed by two exploratory wells for Arcius Energy, a joint venture between BP and ADNOC.

The ministry described the move as a reflection of growing confidence among major international energy companies in Egypt’s investment climate, citing recent incentives and reforms aimed at boosting exploration and production activities in the petroleum sector.

Egypt is pursuing an ambitious strategy in 2026, in partnership with foreign investors, targeting the drilling of more than 100 exploratory wells in addition to developing existing fields. The plan is designed to maximize the use of the country’s oil and gas resources and unlock new discoveries to strengthen domestic production capacity.