Eni and BP have resumed their exploration activities in Libya after halting drilling operations in the onshore region in 2014, according to Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC)
This follows the formal revocation of force majeure status by Eni and NOC in August 2023 on exploration areas A&B (onshore) and C (offshore), where Eni is operator with 42.5% along with bp (42.5%) and Libya Investment Authority (15%), as a result of a favourable security assessment. Some of these areas are close to the Wafa gas facilities that export production to Italy.
On October 26, Eni began its exploration activities in the Area B (96/3) of Ghadames Basin, where the first exploratory well, A1-96/3 (Hasheem Prospect), was drilled. This well is the first under the contractual obligations for Area B in Ghadames Basin, according to the Fourth Bid Round Contract of 2007. Mellitah Oil & Gas, which has extensive experience in the region, particularly in developing and managing the Wafa field, is overseeing the drilling operations and all related activities for this well.
Several promising geological formations in the A1-96/3 well are set to be tested, which are expected to contain both oil and gas. The well is projected to reach a final depth of approximately 3,147 m.
The A1-96/3 well is located around 35 km from the Wafa field and approximately 650 km from the capital, Tripoli.Eni is the leading international gas producer in Libya, where it has been operating since 1959, and currently has a large portfolio of assets in exploration, production and development. Production activities are operated through the joint venture company Mellitah Oil and Gas BV (Eni 50%, NOC 50%).
Repsol and OMV are also set to restart operations sin the Murzuq Basin and Sirte Basin respectively, NOC says.
Eni and bp resume exploration activities in Libya
The A1-96/3 well is located around 35 km from the Wafa field. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
