Saipem’s advanced drilling boosts Zohr field output by 115 mmcf/d, strengthening Egypt’s energy supply and showcasing deepwater innovation.
Saipem's cutting-edge offshore drilling rig, Saipem 10000, has successfully completed sidetrack drilling at the Zohr-6 well, resulting in a significant boost to Egypt’s natural gas output. The operation has added around 60 million cubic feet per day (mmcf/d) of natural gas to existing production levels, according to a recent announcement from Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoMPR).
This increase in output aligns with MoMPR’s broader strategy to enhance domestic natural gas production to meet the energy demands of various sectors across the country. The Saipem 10000 rig, following the successful Zohr-6 operation, has now moved to initiate drilling activities at the Zohr-13 well. Based on current engineering assessments, Zohr-13 is projected to contribute an additional 55 mmcf/d, further strengthening Egypt’s energy supply.
These developments underscore the productive partnership between MoMPR and Italian energy major Eni, which operates the Zohr gas field through its Egyptian subsidiary. The ongoing operations are in accordance with an agreed-upon field development plan that focuses on accelerating the pace of drilling and maximizing production potential through the use of advanced deepwater technologies.
The significance of these achievements is amplified by Egypt’s national commitment to securing energy self-sufficiency and ensuring long-term sustainability in resource management. The government, through its ministries and public institutions, continues to actively encourage investment in the oil and gas sector, supporting initiatives that increase local energy output and contribute to economic resilience.
The resumption of drilling at the Zohr field was marked in February 2025 with the arrival of Saipem 10000 in Egyptian territorial waters. The rig was designated to carry out a strategic program involving the sidetrack drilling of three wells—Zohr-13, Zohr-6, and Zohr-9. Notably, the Zohr-9 operation will feature the deployment of coiled tubing technology in deep water for the first time globally, signifying a groundbreaking advancement in offshore drilling.
Khaled Mowafy, Chairman of Belayim Petroleum Company (Petrobel)—a joint venture between Eni’s Egyptian subsidiary and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC)—emphasized the importance of this technological leap. The adoption of coiled tubing technology at such depths not only showcases Egypt's growing technical capabilities but also reinforces its status as a key player in the regional energy sector.
These drilling successes are expected to collectively unlock an additional 115 mmcf/d of natural gas production from the Zohr field, playing a vital role in Egypt’s strategy to meet rising domestic energy needs and maintain its position as a gas export hub.
