On 22 March 2020, Egyptian government sources disclosed that Edison International SpA (Edison) abandoned its first deep-water exploration wildcat Ameeq 1 in the North Thekah offshore block (block 7), Levantine Basin.  This failure comes a few weeks after Eni abandoned the Nigma 1 exploration well in the Northeast Hapy Offshore Block in the same basin. For the Egyptian state, these two successive setbacks represent a disappointment for the country in its efforts to convince the IOCs to start a new phase of exploration in its deep Mediterranean waters.  Edison holds a 100% working interest in theÂ North Thekah offshore block, which had been initially granted to Edison and Petroceltics in April 2013.  Edison is a fully owned subsidiary of Edison SpA, a JV between Transalpina di Energia Srl (80.12%), EDF (19.35) and other partners (0.53%).   Background information  Edison started drilling operations of its first deep-water exploration Ameeq 1 in the North Thekah offshore block (block 7) on 18 January 2020.  The company declared that the operation for which the semi-submersible rigÂ Maersk Discoverer had been contracted, was estimated to take two months to reach the Ameeq prospect situated at a total depth of 5,200 m with 982 m of water depth.  On 3 March 2020, Maersk Drilling announced a one-well contract for its rig in direct continuation of the current contract. This new contract, which was expected to commence in March 2020 had an estimated duration of 21 days for an approximate value of USD 3.8 million.
Ameeq 1 nfw. (Edison 100%) 1st of 3 commitment wells normally planned in DW North Thekah block, WD=982m in E. Mediterranean, reportedly dry, PTD was ca. 5200m. This will no doubt be a major disappointment to Energean, in the process of taking over Edison, and to the govt who has been actively promoting DW acreage.