Lebanon on Friday signed a gas exploration agreement for offshore Block 8 with a consortium comprising TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and Italy’s Eni, under the patronage and in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, during a ceremony held at the Grand Serail.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Lebanon by Minister of Energy and Water Joe Saddi. Representing the companies were TotalEnergies Lebanon Director Roman de La Martinière, QatarEnergy Head of Exploration Ali Abdullah Al-Mannai, and Eni Lebanon Director Andrea Cossi.
The ceremony was attended by the President of Lebanon’s Petroleum Administration Gaby Daaboul, board members Wissam Al-Zahabi and Wissam Shbat, TotalEnergies Middle East and North Africa Head Julien Pouget, Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Marcelli, Qatari Ambassador Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and a representative of the French ambassador.
Before the signing, Daaboul recalled that Lebanon relaunched offshore oil and gas exploration activities in 2023, when the same consortium drilled an exploratory well in Block 9. He said the new agreement for Block 8 provides for a 1,200-square-kilometer 3D seismic survey, ahead of drilling an exploration well during the second exploration phase, based on the survey’s results. He added that Lebanon seeks to intensify exploration through promoting open blocks and updating licensing terms, while continuing efforts to pass onshore exploration legislation.
After the signing, Saddi said the agreement confirms the consortium’s commitment to continue exploration activities in Lebanon despite challenges, reflecting sustained confidence in the country’s offshore potential. He expressed hope that the seismic campaign would be launched swiftly to improve geological and technical understanding of Block 8. Saddi also said the ministry is preparing the fourth licensing round to attract additional international companies, stressing that regional and domestic stability would further support exploration efforts.
Prime Minister Salam later received a delegation from TotalEnergies headed by Julien Pouget.
Source: NNA