OMV Petrom, Southeast Europe’s largest integrated energy producer, and ROMGAZ, Romania’s leading natural gas producer, have officially begun drilling the first development and production well for the Neptun Deep project. Situated 160 km offshore in the Black Sea, the Pelican South and Domino gas fields are a key step toward strengthening Romania’s energy security. The project is progressing as planned, with the first gas expected in 2027. Once full production is reached, Neptun Deep is projected to supply approximately 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.

The launch of drilling operations is a major milestone for Neptun Deep, a strategic initiative that will help Romania meet its domestic gas needs while enhancing its role in the European energy market. Beyond energy security, the project is expected to generate around €20 billion in state revenue over its lifetime. Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom, highlighted the company’s dedication to ensuring the safe and efficient execution of the project to meet the 2027 production target.

The development plan involves drilling ten wells, with four located in the Pelican South field and six in the Domino field. The first well is currently being drilled in Pelican South, in waters about 120 meters deep, with gas reservoirs located approximately 2,000 meters beneath the seabed. Drilling operations are expected to continue until the fourth quarter of 2026. Cristian Hubati, OMV Petrom Executive Board Member responsible for Exploration and Production, expressed confidence in the project’s progress, emphasizing its importance for Romania’s energy landscape.

Neptun Deep represents a significant investment for ROMGAZ, reinforcing its position in the regional energy market. Razvan Popescu, CEO of ROMGAZ, stated that the project would enhance both the company’s natural gas and electricity production capabilities while supporting its long-term sustainability goals. Aristotel Jude, Deputy CEO of ROMGAZ, further emphasized the company’s commitment to successful project execution, ensuring regulatory compliance and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy.

The well foundations have been successfully installed using Neodrill’s CAN-ductor technology, which reduces the overall environmental impact of offshore drilling. The first well is expected to take approximately two to three months to complete, utilizing the Transocean Barents mobile drilling unit. Halliburton Energy Services Romania and Newpark Drilling Fluids Eastern Europe have been contracted to provide integrated drilling services, including cementing, directional drilling, and well completions.

Key infrastructure for Neptun Deep includes three subsea production systems, a shallow-water offshore platform, a main natural gas pipeline to Tuzla, and a metering station. The offshore platform will generate its own electricity and be remotely operated through a digital twin system. The project also leverages natural reservoir energy to transport gas to shore without requiring compression, significantly reducing emissions.

In addition to drilling, other project components are advancing, including the construction of the production platform, subsea infrastructure, and support vessels. OMV Petrom and ROMGAZ are jointly investing up to €4 billion in Neptun Deep, reinforcing their commitment to Romania’s energy future and long-term sustainability.