BP Egypt has announced a significant gas discovery in the East Nile Delta in the deepwater exploration well named Salamat.

Salamat is the deepest well ever drilled in the Nile Delta. It is the first well in the North Damietta Offshore Concession granted in February 2010 and operated by BP.

The well was drilled using the 6th generation semi-submersible rig “Maersk Discoverer” at water depth of 649 metres and reaching a total depth of around 7,000 metres.

The wireline logs, fluid samples and pressure data confirmed the presence of gas and condensate in 38m net of Oligocene sands in Salamat. Further appraisal will be required to better define the field resources and to evaluate the options for developing the discovery.

Mike Daly, executive vice president Exploration at BP, said: “Success with Salamat proves hydrocarbons in the centre of a 50-km long structure. With a hydrocarbon column in excess of 180 metres, the discovery increases our confidence in the materiality of the deep Oligocene play in the East Nile Delta.”

Hesham Mekawi, BP Egypt regional president said: “Salamat discovery is a great outcome for our first well in this core exploration programme in the East Nile Delta. It shows our commitment to meeting Egypt’s energy needs by exploring the deep potential offshore the Nile Delta. Standalone and tie-back to the nearby Temsah infrastructure development options are currently being evaluated.”

Salamat discovery is located around 75 kilometres north of Damietta city and only 35 kilometres to the North West of Temsah offshore facilities. BP has 100 per cent equity in the discovery. – TradeArabia News Service