Hill International scoops Libya PMC contract

Mellitah Oil & Gas, a joint venture between Libya’s National Oil Corporation and Italian energy firm Eni, has awarded Hill International an US$8bn project management contract for the Structures A & E project, a major offshore project with planned production of 750mn cubic feet per day

This project comprises the development of two gas fields off the coast of Libya. The scope includes the delivery of two offshore drilling platforms and infrastructure to transmit natural gas to the existing Mellitah Complex, located around 100 km west of Tripoli, for treatment and distribution. The project will also deliver a new carbon capture and storage facility at the Mellitah Complex.

Project management services to be provided by Hill include project planning, design coordination and reviews, procurement support, estimating and cost management, schedule management, quality assurance/quality control, risk mitigation, change management and claims prevention, closeout support, and more.

The Structures A & E project aims to support domestic energy needs and increase Libya’s gas exports to Europe, reinforcing the country’s role in regional energy security, increasing competition and supply reliability, and reducing prices for customers. Production is expected to commence in 2026.

“The Structures A & E project is of great national and international importance,” said Hill president, Middle East and North Africa Waleed Abdel-Fattah. “Especially because of our long history in Libya, we are honoured to take part in an initiative that will help shape the country’s future.”

“Our local team looks forward to collaborating with Mellitah and Hill’s global network of energy experts to deliver the megaproject as envisioned, helping ensure energy security for Libyans and customers throughout the region,” added Hill chief executive Officer Raouf Ghali. “This new assignment is a testament to our company’s long-term commitment to delivering the infrastructure of change in the country.”

The award comes as Libya is seeking to increase its oil and gas production with the help of international oil companies, which are starting to return to Libya after a hiatus of several years. Exxon Mobil, bp and Shell have recently signed agreements with Libya’s National Oil Company (NOC) to evaluate hydrocarbon prospects and conduct technical studies relating to key Libya fields. There is significant international interest in Libya’s largely untapped hydrocarbon potential, as demonstrated by the number of bids submitted following the launch of its international bid round earlier this year, results of which are expected in around November. This offers 22 blocks for exploration and development (11 offshore and 11 onshore) including areas with undeveloped discoveries estimated to contain a minimum of 2.0 Bboe in hydrocarbon resources.