Eni has identified two substantial gas discoveries in Libyan offshore waters, with combined reserves estimated to exceed one trillion cubic feet.
The discoveries mark another significant milestone in the company’s Mediterranean exploration campaign and highlight Libya’s enduring importance as a regional energy hub.
The new gas resources were found in two geological structures known as Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS 2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS 3).
These sites lie approximately 85 kilometres offshore and 16 kilometres south of the existing Bahr Essalam gas field.
Drilling operations at the discoveries were carried out through the B2-16/4 and C1-16/4 wells, positioned in water depths of about 200 metres.
Both wells encountered gas within the Metlaoui Formation, a key producing reservoir that has yielded consistent results across the basin.
Preliminary data from drilling and well testing suggest the presence of a high-quality reservoir with strong production potential.
Tests conducted on the first well have already confirmed the formation’s productivity, reinforcing expectations of efficient field development.
The combined proximity of BESS 2 and BESS 3 to existing facilities at Bahr Essalam is anticipated to streamline integration into ongoing production operations.
By utilising established subsea and processing infrastructure, Eni aims to accelerate the tie-back process, optimising cost and delivery timelines.
The gas from these discoveries is set to serve both domestic and export markets.
Supply will support Libyan energy demand while contributing to exports destined primarily for Italy, strengthening the country’s role as a secure Mediterranean supplier.
The Bahr Essalam gas and condensate field itself, Libya’s largest offshore facility, lies within Block NC41 in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 120 kilometres northwest of Tripoli.
Operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas (MOG), a joint venture evenly split between Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), the field has been a cornerstone of Libyan gas production since its first phase came onstream in 2005.
A second development phase was approved in 2015 and began producing in 2018, adding new subsea wells and infrastructure to support long-term output.
The recent finds at BESS 2 and BESS 3 further extend this legacy by enhancing field life and reinforcing Eni’s production outlook in the region.
Eni remains one of the most active foreign operators in Libya, maintaining a presence that dates back to 1959.
The company’s current equity production in the country is projected at around 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025.
It is also advancing three new development projects, two of which are expected to commence operations this year, demonstrating a renewed momentum in its North African portfolio.
Beyond Libya, Eni continues to report promising offshore results elsewhere in Africa.
Last month, the company confirmed another significant gas and condensate discovery at the Calao South structure in Block CI-501, offshore Côte d’Ivoire.
The find was made through drilling of the Murene South-1X well and underscores the potential of the Calao channel complex, reinforcing Eni’s strategy of targeting high-value gas plays across the continent.
The pair of Bahr Essalam South discoveries reinforces Eni’s confidence in the Mediterranean’s resource base and positions Libya for a broader role in meeting regional and European energy needs.
