Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — A Western energy major has launched crude oil production in
the Gulf of Suez.

BP Exploration began production from the NS377 oil field on the North
Shadwan concession in the Gulf of Suez. The company intends initial
production to reach 1,000 barrels per day and sent through a pipe for
treatment and eventual export at Abu Rudeis. Additional oil would be
transported by truck beginning in July 2012.

Executives said development of North Shadwan is being conducted by BP
along with Egypt’s Beach Petroleum and TriOcean Energy. They said
development of another field, called NS394, would begin in 2013, with an
expected initial production of up to 7,000 barrels per day.

BP, with a 50 percent interest, also intends to drill at the NS385 field
in North Shadwan by April. Executives said initial production in NS385
could reach 5,000 barrels per day.

  Abu Rudeis, Beach Petroleum, BP begins drilling in Gulf of Suez, North Shadwan concession, NS377 oil field, TriOcean Energy