Egyptian authorities have convinced the French major TOTALEnerges to be part of the exploration studies for new gas in the country, without committing to the terms of a regular licence.
In the event, the state hydrocarbon firm Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company on exploration activities, “covering a large area located in the north-western offshore.
“The MoU establishes a framework for technical cooperation including preliminary exploration and subsurface evaluation activities”, TOTAL says in a release.
TOTAL is already involved in a number of concessions in the country, including being the operator of the North Ras Kanayis Offshore block, a 4,550 square kilometre acreage, located in the Herodotus Basin in the Mediterranean Sea. North Ras Kanayis extends from 5 to 150 kilometres from the shore, with water depths ranging from 50 to 3,200 metres.
But the MoU signed on May 13, 2026 is about a broad, desktop study, he result of which will determine whether or not to take up a permit in the area.
“We are pleased to launch this cooperation with EGAS, which reflects our shared ambition to further strengthen our partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt. This agreement will support the assessment of Egypt’s deep offshore exploration potential” said Nicola Mavilla, Senior Vice President Exploration at TOTALEnergies.
