Prequalification entries had been accepted until early December, a source within Total says, and around five firms were left in the running after that process ended.

The formal tender announcement and bidding process will begin in the first or second week of January, the source adds.

The contract is for the provision of onshore drilling rig services and the testing of two exploration onshore wells with possible options in the West of Libya.

The proposed land rig would have a maximum drilling depth of approximately 21,000 feet and a hook load capacity of 1.5 million pounds. The well spud is planned for the third quarter of 2009.