Total will operate the North Ras Kanayis block offshore Egypt, after the signing of an exploration and production agreement with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company. The block is located in the Mediterranean Sea and spans 4,500 square kilometres from offshore in the Herodotus Basin.

The French oil and gas giant will conduct a 3D seismic campaign during the first three years of the agreement with Egypt. Total holds a 35% operating interest in the block, Shell holds 30%, KUFPEC holds 25% and Tharwa holds 10%.

Senior Vice-President, Exploration, 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.”