In a press release by French oil and gas giant, Total, the company announced that an international consortium led by Total, where it holds 35% interest as the Operator, Shell holds 30%, KUFPEC holds 25%, and Tharwa holds 10%; and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) have signed an exploration and production agreement for the North Ras Kanayis Offshore block in the Herodotus Basin, offshore Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Block covers 4,550 square kilometres, extending from 5 to 150 kilometres from the shore, with water depths ranging from 50 to 3,200 metres. The Basin is an underexplored area, and the agreement includes a 3D seismic campaign during the first three years. Total holds a working interest of 25% in the North El Hammad license, alongside operator ENI (37.5%) and BP (37.5%).

The Senior Vice President Exploration at Total, Kevin McLachlan said, “Total is pleased to further strengthen its Eastern Mediterranean position as an operator of this exploration and production agreement. We are excited by the exploration potential of the North Ras Kanayis Offshore block. It reinforces our presence in Egypt, following a gas discovery made in July 2020 with the Bashrush well on the North El Hammad license, to be developed through a tie-in to nearby existing infrastructure.”