Egypt's Petroleum Min. Inspects Drilling Operations at Shell's Velox-1X Well in Mediterranean

Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, visited the Stena IceMAX drilling vessel to inspect progress on the Velox-1X exploration well, being drilled by Shell in the North Cleopatra concession in the Herodotus Basin of the Mediterranean Sea.

The project is being developed by Shell in partnership with Chevron, QatarEnergy, which is in the process of completing its entry into the concession as a partner, and Tharwa Petroleum.

During the tour, accompanied by senior ministry officials and Shell executives, Badawi reviewed drilling operations targeting a depth of approximately 6,000 meters, making Velox-1X the deepest offshore exploration well ever drilled in the region. He said the project highlights the technological advances underpinning Egypt's offshore exploration activities.

The minister noted that Velox-1X is located in a frontier area where no previous exploratory drilling has been conducted, giving the well strategic importance. He said the project is expected to generate valuable geological data that could open new exploration opportunities, enhance the area's attractiveness to international energy companies, and increase the likelihood of new natural gas discoveries to support Egypt's reserves and production.

Badawi praised Shell's commitment to its ambitious 2026 drilling campaign in Egypt, noting that Velox-1X is the fourth well under the program launched in February. He said cooperation between Shell, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) has enabled the adoption of an integrated operating model that has reduced drilling costs by applying international best practices, improving both operational efficiency and project economics.

The minister also reviewed progress on Shell's broader drilling program, which includes the successful drilling and completion of the Mina West-1 and Mina West-2 wells as part of the Mina West field development project in the Northeast Amriya concession. The project is being jointly developed by Shell and its Kuwaiti partner KUFPEC, with production expected to begin by the end of 2026.

Production tests conducted after drilling and technical completion delivered encouraging results before the drilling vessel moved to its next assignment, according to the ministry.

The program also includes the successful drilling of the Sirius exploration well in the same area, supporting Egypt's efforts to boost natural gas production and expand exploration activities.

During the visit, Badawi reviewed safety procedures and confirmed that offshore operations are being carried out in accordance with the highest standards of occupational safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency, stressing that worker safety remains the petroleum sector's highest priority.