Egypt to launch gas exploration of 18,000 sqm of the Mediterranean

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One of Africa’s largest natural gas producers is preparing to launch the first phase of an expansive advanced offshore seismic exploration project in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Egypt will deploy the BGP Commander vessel to explore 18,000 sqm of the Egyptian territory of the Mediterranean, which will go on to cover 95,000 sqm throughout the course of the project.

Using Ocean Bottom Node technology, the survey will be used to explore further natural gas development opportunities for Egypt, and improve geological data in the region.

Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company is leading the project in partnership with the global consortium of SLB and Viridien.

Egypt natural gas

Despite being a major natural gas producer in the African continent, Egypt is currently experiencing a production deficit, according to data firm African Energy Research.

The firm’s African gas and LNG report for 2025/2026 stated: “Egypt’s gas story in 2025 is one of recovery after decline. Egypt has gone back to being a net gas importer, and the largest drop in gas exports was in Egypt due to a substantial decline in gas production and persistently high domestic consumption.”

With the exploration project, Egypt will look to “reverse” this downward trend and develop more gas projects for production.

The BGP Commander was built in 2018 and is registered to Chinese company Hangyun Tianjin Leasing Co Ltd, with Hilong Geophysical Co Ltd serving as its commercial and ISM manager.

The vessel has arrived at Port Said and will begin exploration in the next two weeks in the Denis region.