The state licensing authority, Agence Nationale pour la Valorisation des Ressources en Hydrocarbures (Alnaft), has asked companies to express their interest in the bid round prior to the formal launch of tenders.

“Taking into account the imminent launch of the invitation to tender and the opening of the data room, prequalification requests should be made as soon as possible,” it says.

The bid round, expected to consist of 15 oil and gas blocks, will be the first time the country has offered offshore acreage. Successful applicants will be divided into three prequalification categories: onshore only; onshore and offshore; and non-operating investor.

“The projects to be tendered relate to blocks located in the most prospective areas,” says the Energy Ministry. “The projects include zones with high oil and gas potential.”

A date for the launch of tenders has not been specified.