Written by: Karim Hammam
Italy's Eni and France's TotalEnergies are studying pumping financial investments estimated at about 100 to 120 million dollars, with the aim of establishing a new onshore pipeline. This project comes as part of efforts to connect the gas processing facilities in the Zohr field in Port Said with the natural gas liquefaction plant in Damietta, in preparation for exporting the production of the Cypriot Cronos field via Egyptian territory.
Details of the new pipeline project
The planned onshore pipeline will extend for a distance of up to 40 kilometers. Estimates indicate that construction work will start early next year, taking about 12 months after signing official contracts, with expectations for actual gas flow to begin during the first quarter of 2028. The project also includes laying an offshore pipeline connecting Cypriot waters to the Zohr field infrastructure, where the gas will be initially processed before being pumped via the onshore line towards the liquefaction plant.
Enhancing Egypt's position as a regional energy hub
The project aims to make maximum use of Egypt's advanced infrastructure in the fields of gas processing and liquefaction, facilitating the reception of Cypriot field production and efficiently directing it towards global markets. The proven reserve volume in the Cronos field is estimated at about 2.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, while the first phase of development aims to achieve a production rate of about 500 million cubic feet per day.
Regional agreements and anticipated expansions
This project falls within a package of strategic agreements signed between Egypt and Cyprus to regulate gas transportation, supply, and liquefaction operations. Through these partnerships, Cairo seeks to enhance its export capabilities and resume gas export flows, taking advantage of the national pipeline network and available processing capacities in the Mediterranean region, in parallel with plans aimed at raising domestic production levels to meet the growing needs of the market.
