Two new BAPEX rigs boost domestic gas exploration

Bangladesh is accelerating plans to expand its domestic gas exploration capacity by purchasing two new drilling rigs for the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX). The initiative aims to enhance the state-owned exploration firm’s operational independence, boost domestic output, and reduce reliance on expensive imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Petrobangla Chairman Md Abdul Mannan confirmed that the proposal to procure two modern rigs has been finalised and that the tender process is moving forward.

Current fleet & procurement status

· Existing Fleet: BAPEX currently operates five drilling rigs: Bijoy-10, Bijoy-11, Bijoy-12, Bijoy-18, and IPS-1.

· New Additions: Once acquired, BAPEX’s active fleet will expand to seven operational rigs.

· 2,000 HP Rig: Bid evaluations are currently under way for a high-capacity, 2,000-horsepower drilling rig capable of deep exploration.

· 1,500 HP Rig: A Detailed Project Proposal (DPP) is being prepared for a 1,500-horsepower rig, which will be submitted to the Planning Commission for final approval.

Upcoming exploration projects

Alongside the rig procurement, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) recently approved a major BAPEX project to drill three additional wells:

· Begumganj-5 (Appraisal-cum-Development Well): Planned drilling depth of approximately 3,550 metres.

· Begumganj-6 (Exploratory Well): Target depth of around 3,400 metres.

· Sunetra-2 (Deep Exploratory Well): Deep-strata exploration reaching up to 5,300 metres.

How the expansion will help Bangladesh

Foreign Exchange Savings: Replacing imported spot-market LNG with domestically produced natural gas directly cuts foreign currency outflow and stabilises forex reserves.

Enhanced Industrial & Power Supply: Increased gas production helps meet the rising energy demands of fertiliser factories, textile mills, heavy manufacturing, and power generation plants.

Deep-Strata Exploration Capabilities: The high-powered 2,000 HP rig enables BAPEX to drill beyond 5,000 metres into deeper geological structures that were previously unreachable with older equipment.

Faster Turnaround for Well Drilling: Expanding from 5 to 7 rigs allows BAPEX to run simultaneous exploration and workover operations across multiple gas fields in different districts without delay.

BAPEX Recent Gas Exploration & Discovery History