As part of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ strategy to intensify #exploration efforts and maximize #natural_gas #production, Eng.Karim Badawi , Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, visited the drilling operations site of the “#Velox-1X” exploration well onboard the #drillship_Stena_IceMAX. The well is being executed by #Shell in the #North_Cleopatra block within the Herodotus Basin in the #Mediterranean, in partnership with Chevron , #Qatar_Energy, currently finalizing entry procedures as a partner, and Tharwa Petroleum.

The Minister emphasized that “Velox-1X” well is situated in a virgin area where no previous exploratory drilling has been conducted, granting it significant importance. It will provide vital geological data, open new frontiers for exploration.

The Minister praised Shell’s commitment to executing its ambitious drilling program in Egypt throughout 2026, pointing out that “Velox-1X” is the fourth well in the program launched last February.

The Minister also reviewed the results of Shell’s drilling program, including the completion of “#Mina_West-1” and “#Mina_West-2” wells as part of #Mina_West_field development project in #Northeast El-Amriya block, with joint #investments from Shell and its partner, Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC ), in order to commence production by the end of 2026.

The program also included the successful drilling of the “#Sirius” exploration well in the same area, supporting efforts to increase natural gas production and accelerate exploration rates.

During the visit ,the Minister was accompanied by Dalia ElGabry , VP & Country Chair - Shell Egypt, Channa Kurukulasuriya, Country Manager of Chevron Egypt, and several petroleum sector's officials