Shell has demonstrated drone-in-a-box operations from its Mars floating production unit, becoming the first operator in the region to secure FAA approval for self-approved offshore beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights. JPT Senior Technology Editor Jennifer Pallanich visited Shell Technology Center Houston to see the system in action.

As Egypt’s largest oil and gas investor, Eni is ramping up its 2026–2027 drilling campaign with new investments cross the Mediterranean offshore, Nile Delta, Western Desert, and offshore Sinai to strengthen the country’s role as a regional gas and LNG export hub.

While equipment run life and reliability remain core concerns, experts say operators are increasingly turning to real-time surveillance and autonomous optimization to unlock new production gains.