Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, met with Cedric Cremers, Executive President of LNG at Shell, and his delegation on Monday to discuss increasing natural gas production from the company’s operations in Egypt’s deep-water Mediterranean areas. Discussions also encompassed regional integration plans for developing Cypriot gas discoveries, specifically the Aphrodite field, utilizing Egypt’s gas sector infrastructure. This follows an agreement signed at the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES 2025).
Yassin Mohamed, Executive Managing Director of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS); Kelly Howe, Vice President of LNG at Shell; Dalia El Gabry, Country Chair Shell Egypt; and Azza Shalabaya, Head of Corporate Relations at Shell Egypt, also attended the meeting.
Expanding Shell’s Natural Gas Operations in Egypt
During the meeting, Shell’s ongoing operations and efforts to develop gas resources in the West Nile Delta deep-water areas, including Phases 10 and 11, were reviewed. These phases are designed to enhance natural gas production from Egypt’s Mediterranean fields.
Minister Badawi commended Shell’s commitment to its operations in Egypt, despite existing challenges, as well as its expansion plans and the successful projects it has implemented, which have added more wells to Egypt’s natural gas production map. He praised Shell’s contributions and its strategic partnership with the Egyptian petroleum sector.
Prioritizing Gas Production and Regional Integration
Badawi emphasized the importance of expediting the inclusion of new wells into Shell’s work plan to increase natural gas production. He stated that increasing gas production rates is a priority for the Egyptian economy, as it supports domestic market needs, reduces import bills, and benefits all stakeholders.
The minister also highlighted the significance of regional integration for developing gas resources from the Cypriot Aphrodite field, particularly in collaboration with Chevron and Shell. He reiterated Egypt’s continuous cooperation with Cyprus and international companies, following the agreement signed in Cairo during EGYPS 2025.
Investment Opportunities and Energy Sector Integration
Badawi pointed out the opportunities available for Shell to increase its investments in new areas, citing new investment opportunities offered through the Egypt Upstream Gateway (EUG) for undeveloped fields and exploration areas.
In parallel with efforts to increase gas production, the minister noted that there is an integrated approach to the energy sector, in cooperation with the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy. This aims to enhance renewable energy’s contribution to power generation. Additionally, work is underway to strengthen electrical interconnection with Saudi Arabia, which is expected to reduce energy import costs, alleviate financial burdens, and increase efficiency across the energy sector, particularly in the petroleum and gas sectors.
Shell’s Commitment to Egypt’s Energy Future
Cedric Cremers expressed his pleasure in visiting Egypt and praised Shell’s achievements in the Egyptian natural gas sector. He affirmed Shell’s commitment to its investments in Egypt, with an ambitious work agenda. He noted that Phases 10 and 11 projects in the West Nile Delta are key objectives for Shell in Egypt, with the company aiming to integrate them into its production map. Cremers added that Shell aims to expand its operations in the region and accelerate the development and production of the Cypriot Aphrodite natural gas field, in cooperation with Egypt, Cyprus, and the field partners.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Dalia El Gabry, Country Chair of Shell Egypt, stated that 2025 will see a rise in natural gas production due to the implementation of Phases 10 and 11 projects to increase gas production in the West Nile Delta area. She also noted the ongoing development of the West Mina discovery in the Northeast El Amriya area in the Mediterranean Sea.
The existing partnership between Egypt and Shell in the Idku LNG complex on the Mediterranean Sea was also reviewed during the meeting. Both parties also discussed cooperation in energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and carbon reduction—key areas of focus for the future of Egypt’s energy sector.
Conclusion
The meeting between Minister Karim Badawi and Cedric Cremers further solidified the strong partnership between Egypt and Shell, with both parties committed to enhancing natural gas production, regional cooperation, and sustainability efforts. With ambitious projects in the pipeline, Egypt is on track to strengthen its position as a regional energy hub in the Mediterranean.
