Summary:

On 5 October 2025, Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) confirmed that Italian oil giant Eni’s North African subsidiary has resumed exploration in the north-western offshore region, specifically at Block 16/4 (well C1-16/4/BESS-3).  

Operations initially began in March 2020 but were halted in April due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The well lies approximately 95 km off the Libyan coast and near the Bahr Es Salam gas field, a key offshore development. 

Drilling has restarted using the Scarabeo-9 rig, operated by Saipem, with a target depth of 10,520 ft. The resumption forms part of Libya’s broader push to revive exploration and production after years of political instability. 

Outlook: 

The resumption of offshore exploration marks a significant step in Libya’s energy revival, potentially boosting gas production and export capacity to Europe.  

Renewed activity by major international companies like Eni and BP could restore investor confidence in Libya’s upstream sector, supporting both domestic energy security and foreign revenue streams. 

However, the political environment in western Libya remains volatile, with renewed turbulence and violence, as well as external accusations against the GNU, adding to the uncertainty.  

Such tensions risk complicating Libya’s external relations and will continue to impact investor confidence and the implementation of large-scale energy projects. Sustained progress will depend on political stability and coherent governance. 

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