Eni North Africa resumes exploration offshore Libya

Eni North Africa resumed oil and gas exploration in Block 16/4 offshore Libya after a hiatus of more than 5 years. Exploration well C1-16/4 was secured and suspended at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oct. 8, 2025

Key Highlights

  • Eni North Africa resumed oil and gas exploration in Block 16/4 offshore Libya.
  • Drilling is planned to reach 10,520 ft.

Eni North Africa resumed oil and gas exploration in Block 16/4 offshore northwest Libya after more than 5 years. 

Eni is drilling exporation well C1-16/4 (also known as BESS-3) in Contract Area D (previously MN 41) in 743 m of water about 95 km from the Libyan coast and about 15 km from Bahr Es Salam gas field.

Ensco rig 4005 started drilling the well on Mar. 11, 2020, reaching a depth of 1,012 ft. The COVID-19 pandemic led to suspension of the well. It was secured and temporarily abandoned, and the rig was decommissioned on Apr. 14, 2020.

Currently, Saipem’s Scarabeo-9 rig has re-entered the well to complete drilling operations. Final planned depth is 10,520 ft (3,200 m).

On Aug. 3, 2023, Eni and NOC revoked force majeure status on exploration areas A and B (onshore), and C (offshore), where Eni is the operator (42.5%) with partners BP (42.5%) and the Libyan Investment Authority (15%).

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