Eni is making further expansion moves in Egypt’s offshore Mediterranean, MEES learns. After snapping up the Northeast Arish block, following UAE firm Dana Gas’ exit (MEES, 2 September), the Italian firm has now farmed-in to the adjacent Chevron-operated Nargis block to the west, which the US firm is currently drilling.

The Stena Forth drillship is currently on location at Nargis, drilling Chevron’s first Egypt well, the Nargis-1X, which has reached a total depth of 3,982 meters, MEES learns. Chevron will retain operatorship with a 45% stake at Nargis, Eni will also hold 45% and state firm Tharwa the remaining 10%. (CONTINUED - 1310 WORDS)