Egypt’s long-term gas output received a further boost on 5 November as the UK’s BP announced it will be fast-tracking its 1.5 tcf Atoll-1 ultra-deep discovery in the offshore Nile Delta, with first production slated for 2018.

March’s Atoll-1 well was the second discovery on the North Damietta Permit following 2013’s Salamat. BP CEO Bob Dudley earlier this year said that following the second discovery “the estimated potential of the concession exceeds 5 tcf,” adding that BP now had its “next possible major project in Egypt after West Nile Delta” (MEES, 13 March). Atoll development is expected to consist of two phases. Phase 1 will see two development wells tied back to existing infrastructure, with first output expected in 2018. “Success of this first phase is expected to trigger additional investment and further wells to increase production,” BP says. (CONTINUED - 165 WORDS)