Eni resumes offshore exploration in Libya’s offshore Block 16/4

Core Insights - Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced the resumption of exploration work by Eni in the north-west offshore area of Libya, specifically in Block 16/4, after more than five years of inactivity [1] Group 1: Exploration Resumption - Eni's exploration activities in offshore Block 16/4 have restarted, focusing on the exploratory well C1-16/4 (BESS-3) [1] - The drilling at this location initially began on March 11, 2020, but was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic after reaching a depth of 1,012 feet [2] - The Scarabeo-9 rig, operated by Saipem, is now re-entering the well to complete drilling to a planned total depth of 10,520 feet [2] Group 2: Location and Context - The exploratory well is located in Contract Area D, approximately 95 km off the coast of Libya, at a water depth of around 743 meters, and is about 15 km from the Bahr Es Salam gas field [3] - Eni and BP restarted exploration work in Libya's Ghadames Basin in October of the previous year, marking a significant return to the region [3] Group 3: Historical Context - The resumption of exploration comes after a ten-year hiatus, with onshore drilling halted in 2014 due to political instability following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 [4] - In July 2025, Mellitah Oil and Gas, a joint venture between NOC and Eni, contracted Hill International to oversee the Structures A&E project, which aims to boost local gas production and support exports to Europe [4][5]