The second exploration drilling in the Krum-1 area of the Khan Asparuh block in Bulgaria’s Black Sea has also failed to identify commercially significant natural gas deposits, according to OMV Petrom, as reported by BTA.

This latest result follows the earlier drilling in the Vineh section, with both operations forming part of an ongoing exploration campaign that began in February. The Krum-1 well reached a planned depth of around 3,500 meters, but no substantial gas accumulations were discovered.

Data gathered from both drilling activities conducted since December 2025 will now be used for further geological analysis of the region. The company noted that exploration in the deep offshore Black Sea remains in an early phase, and that each drilling effort contributes to a better assessment of the basin’s resource potential.

OMV Petrom reiterated its continued interest in the area, with company executive board member for exploration and production Christian Hubati stating that the firm remains committed to its strategy and will continue seeking opportunities in Bulgarian waters, citing the long-term potential of the Black Sea basin.

The company also holds a 25 percent stake in the adjacent Khan Tervel block, where it operates in partnership with Shell and Turkey’s TPAO.

The Khan Asparuh block itself has been under exploration since 2012 and lies in the deepwater zone of the Black Sea, approximately 200 kilometres from Varna. Early exploration rights were held by a consortium including Total, OMV, and Repsol, which carried out three previous drillings in the western section without finding commercial gas reserves.

The current ownership structure includes OMV Petrom and Israel’s NewMed Energy, with Bulgarian Energy Holding joining this year with a 10 percent stake. Recent exploration efforts have focused on the eastern section of the block.

At the end of 2025, the drilling vessel Globetrotter, operated by Noble Corporation, arrived in the area. Following completion of the Vineh drilling in early February, operations moved to Krum-1, but both attempts ultimately failed to uncover significant gas quantities.