Libya’s Bahr Essalam Phase Two development begins production

10 July 2018
An additional seven wells are due to come on-stream by October 2018

Phase two of Libya’s offshore Bahr Essalam project has started production, according to a statement from Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and the Italian oil company Eni.

The development comes three years after the final investment decision and should prolong the life of Libya's largest producing offshore gas field.

Two further wells are expected to start production within a week. An additional seven wells are due to come on stream by October 2018.

The project is operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas, which is a joint venture of Eni and Libya’s NOC.

Phase two of the project will potentially increase production from the field by 400 million cubic feet a day (cf/d).

In a statement Eni said: “Phase two will be completed between September and October, bringing total field production to 1,100 million cf/d.”

Bahr Essalam is located about 120 kilometres northwest of Tripoli, and contains over 260 billion cubic metres of gas.

This is delivered through the Sabratha platform to the Mellitah onshore treatment plant before being used to supply the national network.

Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya and Prime Minister of the Government of the National Accord, Fayez al-Saraj said: “The opening of Phase 2 of the Bahr Essalam offshore project will definitely add true value to the national economy.

“In the past, we missed huge investment opportunities due to the lack of budget.

“However, today we are committed more than at anytime to encourage investment in the oil sector, and to grant promising opportunities to global giants on a commercial basis that serves the interest of this partnership, and creates growth that gives new hope to the Libyan youth.

“Therefore, efforts must be intensified by all parties to have a deeper understanding and be willing to compromise for the youth of this country who are the real stakeholders in its stability.”

Eni's CEO Claudio Descalzi said: "Bahr Essalam is the product of a longstanding relationship between NOC and Eni, and represents an important milestone to ensure greater energy supply security for Libya.

“The project further demonstrates the trust and recognition Eni has in NOC as Libya’s sole legitimate oil corporation; one with whom we will continue to work exclusively in-country.

"The start of production – delivered in an impressive time-to-market, and in a challenging environment - is a significant achievement for Mellitah Oil & Gas.

“We are proud that Phase 2 will play an important role in supplying Libya with the necessary gas to fuel the country's recovery over the next 15 years.”

Eni has been present in Libya since 1959, where it currently produces around 320,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

The production and exports of hydrocarbons from Libya have fluctuated dramatically over recent years due to disruption from political instability and warring regional militias.

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