Egypt has brought a new well online at its giant Zohr gas field in the Mediterranean, adding around 70 million cubic feet of gas per day to production, Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy said in a statement on Wednesday. The Zohr-9 well was drilled by the Saipem 10000 drillship, with operations completed safely and on schedule, Badawy said. The new output is part of Egypt's plan to boost domestic gas supply and reduce imports. The latest success follows that of the Zohr-6 well and highlights the field's strong potential for further development, the minister added. Separately, Egypt's Al Qaher-2 rig, operated by the Modern Drilling Company, has begun drilling a new exploration well — Denise W-1X — in the Denise Development Area off the coast of Port Said. The well targets gas reserves at a depth exceeding 4,200 metres in waters 98 metres deep. Badawy said the ramp-up in drilling activity across Italian energy firm Eni's concession areas reflects the company's confidence in Egypt's investment climate and commitment to expanding its operations. "These steps are a practical reflection of the ministry's efforts to attract new investment and remove challenges facing our partners," he said. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
