Libya’s NOC Advances Plans for First Deepwater Drilling in Sirte Basin Offshore Block
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced preparations for the country’s first deepwater exploration well in the Sirte Basin, marking a potential shift toward offshore exploration that has long been discussed but never executed.
While planning is well advanced, industry observers note that the true test will come once drilling operations begin.
As part of the preparations, NOC’s Exploration and Drilling teams met in Tripoli with representatives from the Eni–BP partnership, the Libyan Investment Authority, and key oilfield service companies.
The discussions focused on confirming that planning, technical readiness, and operational procedures are in place for drilling, which is expected to start in January.
The planned well will be drilled in offshore Block 38/3, in water depths of approximately 1,900 meters and about 170 kilometers offshore.
The area remains largely unexplored, despite geological studies indicating that deeper offshore zones in the Sirte Basin could contain significant oil and gas resources.
During the meeting, participants reviewed alternative operational scenarios, safety and environmental requirements, and logistical arrangements to ensure that the well can be drilled in line with high technical and safety standards. Service companies also outlined their capabilities and the support they can provide for the operation.
Industry stakeholders view the deepwater initiative as a potential turning point for Libya’s upstream sector, offering an opportunity to diversify beyond mature onshore fields.
If successful, the well could stimulate broader interest from international oil companies in offshore exploration, although the outcome of the drilling campaign will ultimately determine the scale of future investment.
