BP has announced a new gas discovery in the Eastern Mediterranean, offshore Egypt, following the successful drilling of the El-Dennis West-1 exploration well in the El-Tamsah concession area.
The El-Dennis West-1 discovery is located approximately 70 kilometres offshore in water depths of around 95 metres and lies less than 10 kilometres from existing infrastructure—a factor expected to accelerate development and shorten the timeline to production.
According to the company, the newly discovered reservoir shares similar characteristics with the nearby Temsah and Denise fields, which have been producing since 2001. The gas-bearing sandstone reservoir is of high quality, with a total thickness estimated at around 90 metres.
The drilling of El-Dennis West-1 follows a binding framework agreement signed in July 2025 between BP, the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) to renew the El-Tamsah concession for an additional 20 years.
BP holds a 50% stake in the concession, alongside Eni, which owns the remaining 50% and acts as operator of the Denise development through Petrobel, its joint venture with EGPC.
Earlier this year, BP was also awarded two new offshore exploration blocks in the Eastern Mediterranean: the North East El Alamein offshore block (100% operated by BP) and the West El Hammad offshore block, where BP holds a 25% stake while Eni operates with 75%. Both blocks are located near existing infrastructure, enhancing their development potential.
In addition, BP recently deployed the drilling rig DS-12 to Egypt, where it plans to drill five firm wells and three optional wells in deepwater areas, supporting efforts to boost domestic gas production and meet Egypt’s growing energy demand.
The company has also expanded its footprint into the Red Sea, having signed an agreement with the South Valley Egyptian Petroleum Holding Company (GANOPE) to acquire Block 6, marking a step into a promising new exploration frontier.
With more than 63 years of operations in Egypt, BP continues to play a key role in developing the country’s energy resources through strategic partnerships and sustained investment.
