• Arcius Energy plans two gas exploration wells offshore Egypt
• BP-ADNOC venture targets eastern Mediterranean resources, timeline undisclosed
• Expansion includes new field acquisition, production project planned by 2028

Arcius Energy, a joint venture between British oil major BP and its Emirati partner XRG, is preparing to launch a gas exploration campaign in Egyptian waters, Upstream Online reported Friday. The venture plans to drill two exploration wells.

Operations will use a dedicated drilling rig deployed on blocks in the eastern Mediterranean, according to the report. The campaign aims to identify new natural gas resources in an area already in production. No timeline has been disclosed.

Established in 2024, Arcius Energy combines BP’s gas assets in Egypt with those of XRG, the international investment arm of ADNOC, the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company. According to the company’s website, Arcius focuses on Egyptian natural gas, developing existing fields while pursuing offshore exploration.

The company says it aims to expand gradually, with its current focus on the Egyptian Mediterranean. Its portfolio includes non-operated interests in two major concessions: Shorouk (10%), which hosts the Zohr field, and North Damietta (100%), which includes the Atoll field.

Additional exploration permits include the North El Tabya license, which Arcius operates, as well as the Bellatrix-Seti East and North El Fayrouz permits. Some of these assets originate from BP’s portfolio transferred to the joint venture, according to Enerdata.

Arcius Energy is also expanding its Mediterranean asset base. In November 2025, Upstream Online reported that the joint venture signed a binding agreement to acquire the Harmattan gas and condensate field in the El Burg Offshore concession. The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals.

The development plan includes drilling around three production wells and installing a fixed offshore platform. According to Daily News Egypt, a subsea pipeline of about 50 km will connect the field to onshore processing facilities near Port Said, with first production expected in 2028.

Abdel-Latif Boureima