BP Egypt announces Taurt discovery in Eastern Nile Delta

The well lies 70 kilometers Northeast of Port Said in the Seth development lease of the Ras El Barr (REB) concession, approximately 12 kilometers to the Northeast of the Ha'py gas field.

The Taurt discovery well was drilled in 100 meters of water to a total depth of 1571 meters and encountered gas pay in four intervals. One interval was tested at 22mmscf/d and was constrained by the capacity of the test equipment. The natural gas is high quality with no impurities and is similar to that of the Ha'py field.

Hesham Mekawi, president of BP Egypt, said: 'This is a good result. The proximity of the Taurt discovery to the existing infrastructure reduces the development cycle time and makes this gas extremely cost effective. Taurt, in addition to our recent Raven Discovery in the Western Nile Delta, confirms BP's strategic intent and track record to deliver large volumes of natural gas to Egypt.'

The working interest of the concession is split 50/50 between BP, the operator, and ENI's local affiliate IEOC. The existing joint venture company, GUPCO, grouping BP and state oil firm EGPC, will operate any development and production.