Israel

Landmark deal called most significant since 1979 peace treaty.

The largest natural gas field in the rising Eastern Mediterranean region is now flowing after being discovered a decade ago.

With production set to begin from the large Leviathan field by the end of this year, the Israeli government signed off on the final permits to allow for its first exports. Leviathan contains approximately two-thirds of all the gas resources discovered offshore Israel so far.

The succession at the top role comes amid the independent’s expansion beyond the Eastern Med, with recent acquisitions of North Sea and US Gulf of Mexico assets.

One of the largest deepwater gas discoveries of the past decade moves closer to its expected startup at the end of the year, as 24,500 tonnes of topside units have been installed on the Leviathan platform offshore Israel. Operator Noble Energy expects to produce up to 1.2 Bcf/D from 4 subsea wells.

The discovery will be tied back to the 775-MMcf/D Energean Power FPSO, advancing Israel’s aim of becoming a regional gas supply hub.

The move is part of Delek’s strategy to expand its operations beyond the Eastern Mediterranean region. Shell, meanwhile, is in the midst of a $10-billion divestment program.

The second round will offer 19 offshore blocks clustered in five zones to continue natural gas development in the eastern Mediterranean’s Levant Basin.

Israel is launching a new offshore bid round for gas-bearing blocks in the Eastern Mediterranean.

This paper describes the successful delivery of one ultrahigh-rate gas well (more than 250 MMscf/D) completed in a significant gas field offshore Israel with 7-in. production tubing and an openhole gravel pack (OHGP).