Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) has held discussions with Spain’s Repsol, Turkey’s TPAO and Hungary’s MOL on preparations for offshore oil exploration scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027.

The discussions focused on exploration activities in offshore Block 22, located in the Sirte Basin, where the three companies secured an exploration licence in January.

According to the NOC, the proposed programme includes a three-dimensional seismic survey covering 2,676 square kilometres, alongside a 1,500-kilometre linear seismic survey to assess the block’s hydrocarbon potential.

The offshore area is situated in deep waters, with depths reaching approximately 2,000 metres, making the planned seismic investigations an important step towards identifying potential oil and gas resources.

The licence was awarded during Libya’s first oil and gas bidding round since 2007, as the North African country seeks to attract international investment and expand its hydrocarbon reserves.

The NOC said the engagement was part of efforts to strengthen partnerships with international energy companies and increase the country’s oil and gas reserves to support its economy.

Libya, a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), remains heavily dependent on crude oil, which accounts for more than 95 per cent of its economic output.

Before the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi, the country produced about 1.6 million barrels of crude oil per day.