In a significant development for Mediterranean exploration, QatarEnergy is set to join Shell and Chevron in exploring the deepwater North Cleopatra Block offshore Egypt, pending government approval. Shell will retain a 36% operated interest in the block located in the frontier Herodotus Basin, while Chevron holds 27% and Tharwa Petroleum Co. maintains 10%.
The North Cleopatra Block spans more than 3,400 square kilometers in water depths reaching up to 2,600 meters and sits adjacent to the North El-Dabaa Block, where QatarEnergy already holds a 23% interest. This expansion demonstrates QatarEnergy’s continued commitment to Mediterranean exploration, following last month’s award of a four-year offshore drilling services contract for the Aquamarine Driller jackup to ADES Holding. The contract follows an extended term secured in May for ADES’ Sapphire Driller, also for operations offshore Qatar.
Source: offshore-mag.com