Tectonic evolution of the Eastern Mediterranean Basin and its significance for hydrocarbon prospectivity in the ultradeepwater of the Nile Delta

The Northeast Mediterranean Deepwater Area (41 500 km2) was awarded to Shell Egypt in July 1998. Operations started on 1 February 1999 to acquire a 7000-km, 2-D (6-km cable, 8 s, 120-fold) seismic survey. Key pre-1999 data included a 1500-km 2-D seismic (1973 vintage). In December 1999 Exxon Exploration and Production, Egypt acquired a 25% interest in the concession.