What is a 'gathering pipeline' in the context of a gas field?

A gathering pipeline is a crucial piece of infrastructure that transports raw natural gas from individual wells within a field to a central processing platform or facility. These pipelines are essential for efficiently collecting and consolidating gas before it undergoes treatment and is sent to market.

How much gas can the Leviathan field now produce annually?

Following the completion of the third gathering pipeline, the Leviathan gas field's annual production capacity has been boosted to approximately 494 billion cubic feet. This represents a significant increase in the field's ability to supply natural gas.

Who is the primary operator of the Leviathan gas field?

Chevron is the primary operator of the Leviathan gas field, having acquired Noble Energy, the original operator, in 2020. Chevron holds a significant stake and is responsible for the field's development and production activities.

Rigzone · March 3, 2026 (Mar 3) · 1 min read

Chevron Completes Third Gathering Pipeline for Israel's Leviathan

Chevron Corporation

Isometric technical illustration of offshore oil and gas operations with drillship and support vessel — Illustration: Chevron Corporation

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

Chevron has successfully brought online a third gathering pipeline for the Leviathan natural gas field offshore Israel, significantly boosting its annual production capacity. This infrastructure expansion underscores the field's growing importance as a key regional energy supplier. The increased output potential enhances Israel's energy security and its role in the Eastern Mediterranean gas market.

Key Facts

Chevron successfully completed the installation of a third gathering pipeline.
The pipeline is dedicated to the Leviathan natural gas field, located offshore Israel.
This project has elevated Leviathan's total gas production capacity.
The new annual production capacity for the Leviathan field is approximately 494 billion cubic feet.
The completion of this infrastructure enhances the field's ability to deliver gas to market.

Background & Context

The Leviathan gas field, discovered in 2010, is one of the largest natural gas discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean, holding an estimated 22 trillion cubic feet of recoverable resources. Production commenced in late 2019 under Noble Energy, which was subsequently acquired by Chevron in 2020, making Chevron the field's operator. Leviathan currently supplies natural gas to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, playing a pivotal role in regional energy security and economic cooperation.

Market Impact

This capacity expansion significantly strengthens Israel's position as a regional energy exporter and enhances its energy security by ensuring robust domestic supply. For Chevron, it solidifies its strategic footprint in the Eastern Mediterranean, demonstrating commitment to maximizing asset value and meeting growing regional demand. The increased gas availability could also facilitate further export opportunities, potentially influencing future infrastructure development and regional energy partnerships.

What to Watch

We anticipate close monitoring of actual production levels to assess the full impact of this capacity increase on regional supply dynamics. Future developments will likely focus on exploring additional export routes, potentially including further pipeline expansions or even floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) solutions, to capitalize on the enhanced production capabilities. The long-term outlook involves Leviathan continuing to be a cornerstone of Eastern Mediterranean gas supply for decades.

Why This Matters for Cyprus

The substantial increase in Leviathan's production capacity directly impacts the competitive landscape for other Eastern Mediterranean gas producers, including Cyprus. With more Israeli gas available, Cypriot gas projects like Aphrodite must carefully consider market demand and pricing strategies for their own development and export plans. Furthermore, the successful expansion of Leviathan's infrastructure sets a precedent for regional development and could influence future discussions on shared infrastructure for East Med gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'gathering pipeline' in the context of a gas field?: A gathering pipeline is a crucial piece of infrastructure that transports raw natural gas from individual wells within a field to a central processing platform or facility. These pipelines are essential for efficiently collecting and consolidating gas before it undergoes treatment and is sent to market.
How much gas can the Leviathan field now produce annually?: Following the completion of the third gathering pipeline, the Leviathan gas field's annual production capacity has been boosted to approximately 494 billion cubic feet. This represents a significant increase in the field's ability to supply natural gas.
Who is the primary operator of the Leviathan gas field?: Chevron is the primary operator of the Leviathan gas field, having acquired Noble Energy, the original operator, in 2020. Chevron holds a significant stake and is responsible for the field's development and production activities.

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