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Recently, BP, together with its partners Harbour Energy and Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), announced the successful start-up of the Raven West No.4 and No.5 wells at the West Nile Delta gas field in Egypt. Leveraging advanced technical solutions, the project was completed three months ahead of schedule, delivering meaningful additional supply to help ease regional energy constraints.
During the operations, BP deployed a cesium formate / potassium formate brine completion fluid system supplied and technically supported by Sinomine Specialty Fluids Limited, a subsidiary of Sinomine Resources.
As a high-performance completion brine that causes virtually zero formation damage, the system played a critical role in maximizing well productivity:
Outstanding production rates: The two new wells are expected to deliver up to 200 MMcf/d of natural gas and 8,000 barrels per day of condensate.
Long-term value: Over their lifecycle, the wells are projected to produce approximately220 Bcf of gas and 7 million barrels of condensate.
BP operated fields in West Nile Delta, Egypt
Strategic Significance: Reversing Output Decline and Supporting Egypt’s Energy Hub Ambitions：
Egypt’s natural gas production fell to historic lows in 2024. For a country aiming to establish itself as a global liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub, the successful commissioning of the Raven project provides a strong boost to both supply security and market confidence.
BP’s trust in cesium formate brine technology dates back to the project’s Phase I operations in 2018–2019. At that time, BP first introduced a 1.76 s.g. cesium/potassium formate blended brine system in the region. With support from Sinomine Specialty Fluids, eight wells were successfully brought on stream. The results validated the system’s advantages in safety and operational efficiency, while firmly establishing its effectiveness in enhancing single-well productivity.
Valaris DS-12 Drillship used on the Raven campaign
The successful cooperation model between BP and Sinomine Specialty Fluids is now being replicated globally:
1. India – MJ Gas Field:
Between 2022 and 2023, BP and Reliance Industries Limited adopted a similar well design and successfully completed eight wells.
2. Future development plans:
India: Phase II operations are scheduled to begin in Q3 2026, with an additional 2–3 wells planned.
Egypt: Phase III preparations are underway, with drilling and completion of up to three wells expected to commence in Q1 2027.
