Discovered in 2007 by well NS394-1A, the Burtocal oil field is located in the Gulf of Suez offshore Egypt in the North Shadwan Concession. BP serves as the operator of the field.

The discovery well penetrated a thick oil column within the Nubai formation, which is considered to be an extremely prolific reservoir in the gulf. During the fourth quarter 2007, appraisal drilling commenced, testing separate fault compartments in the structure, and to assist in delineating potential reserves. The sidetrack appraisal well, NS394-2B, encountered a gross oil column of at least 102 feet (31 meters) in good quality reservoir sands in the Nubai formation. The well was plugged as a future oil producer.

The North Shadwan joint venture partners applied for a development lease over the NS394 oil discovery with development expected to commence in 2013. Production from NS394 is anticipated to commence in 2014 at an expected flow rate of up to 7,000 bopd.