A review of offshore potential
Egypt’s new Red Sea bid round shines a spotlight on an underexplored basin that has the potential to be a new exploration frontier. Geological analogs from the Gulf of Suez indicate opportunities in pre-rift Nubian sandstones and syn-rift siliciclastic and carbonate plays. However, distinct structural and thermal conditions in the Red Sea require detailed evaluation.
In this edition of Subsurface Insights, we examine geological factors that influence the potential of these new blocks using frameworks and data from the Neftex® solution from Halliburton. The analysis includes a basin-scale assessment of petroleum system elements, focusing on reservoir distribution and quality, hydrocarbon phase, and timing of charge to evaluate presence, distribution, and associated risks.
While the Gulf of Suez offers useful comparisons, differences in structural and thermal histories between the two regions underscore the need for caution when applying analogs. With bids open until May 3, 2026, companies have an opportunity to assess these concepts and explore this emerging basin.
