Libya revives offshore oil exploration after five-year hiatus

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has resumed offshore oil exploration in north-western parts of the country after more than five years of inactivity,partnering with Italian energy company Eni.

The decision to resume exploration activities follows the completion of technical and environmental assessments,paving the way for seismic surveys and geological studies in preparation for drilling new exploratory wells.

The NOC said the move aligns with its strategic plan to boost production capacity and maximize hydrocarbon resources. Eni,a major investor in Libya’s energy sector,co-manages several key projects with the corporation,including the Bahr Essalam natural gas field. Despite years of political unrest since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011,the oil industry remains the backbone of Libya’s economy and its main source of national revenue.