ExxonMobil plans to begin exploration operations, including acquisition of seismic data, in 2020 on newly acquired acreage offshore Egypt.

The than 1.7 million acres includes 1.2 million acres in the North Marakia Offshore Block, which lies 5 miles offshore Egypt’s northern coast in the Herodotus basin. The remaining 543,000 acres is in the North East El Amriya Offshore Block in the Nile Delta.

ExxonMobil will operate both blocks and hold 100% interest.