TotalEnergies and its partner ENI have signed, with the State of Israel, a Framework Agreement to implement the agreement on maritime boundary which was reached between Israel and Lebanon on 27 October 2022.

In Lebanon, TotalEnergies is the operator of the exploration Block 9, and holds a 60 per cent interest, alongside its partner ENI who holds 40 per cent.

Following the signature of the agreement, the Block 9 partners will initiate the exploration of an already identified prospect which might extend both in Block 9 and into Israel waters South of the recently established Maritime Border Line.

Preparation of exploration activities starts now with the mobilisation of the teams, the purchase of required equipment and the procurement of a drilling rig.

TotalEnergies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanné said as the operator of block 9, the company is proud to be associated with the peaceful definition of a maritime border between Israel and Lebanon.

“By bringing our expertise in offshore exploration, we will respond to the request of both countries to assess the materiality of hydrocarbon resources and production potential in this area,” he said.