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In a pivotal move to bolster its energy sector, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, unveiled an ambitious ocean bottom node seismic survey project during the Gastech conference in Milan. Spanning an impressive 95,000 square kilometers in the Eastern Mediterranean, this project is set to deploy cutting-edge global exploration technologies aimed at maximizing the nation’s gas potential and reinforcing Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub.

Badawi emphasized the strategic significance of this initiative, which promises to deliver high-resolution subsurface data essential for reducing exploration risks. By creating more attractive opportunities for international companies, the project is expected to catalyze further investments and foster an environment conducive to exploratory and productive drilling activities. This aligns seamlessly with the Ministry of Petroleum's overarching goal of enhancing domestic gas production.

The seismic survey will be executed in three phases over a period of seven years, with the first phase slated to commence in 2026. This initial phase will cover 18,000 square kilometers and involves an investment of $117 million. The Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) awarded the project to a consortium led by Schlumberger and Veridien following a competitive international tender.

The Gastech conference, running from September 9 to 12, 2025, is set to attract around 50,000 participants from over 150 countries, including ministers from the United States, Italy, Turkey, Iraq, and Cyprus, as well as key figures from the European Union and the International Energy Agency. This significant gathering underscores the conference's role as the largest global platform for the natural gas industry and its focus on emerging topics such as hydrogen energy, climate change mitigation, and the integration of artificial intelligence in energy solutions.

As Egypt embarks on this groundbreaking survey initiative, the implications for both regional energy dynamics and international investment opportunities are substantial, marking a new chapter in the nation’s energy exploration and production journey.