Total E&P Liban, operator of the international JV (Total 40%, ENI 40%, Novatek 20%) on Block 4, has completed the drilling of Byblos well 16/1 on Block 4 to a depth of 4,076 meters on April 26th, 2020. The well is located 30 kilometers offshore Beirut in water depths of approximatively 1,500 meters.

The well crossed the entire Oligo-Miocene target section. Traces of gas were observed confirming the presence of a hydrocarbon system, but no reservoirs were encountered in the Tamar formation, main target of this exploration well. Based on data acquired during drilling, further studies will be conducted to analyze the well results and evaluate the exploration potential of the blocks of the JV operated by Total offshore Lebanon.

"We are satisfied of having drilled the first ever exploration well in the Lebanese offshore domain in line with the initial program. We thank the Ministry of Energy and Water and the Lebanese Petroleum Administration for their invaluable support, notably to overcome the challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. This well has provided valuable data and important lessons that will be integrated into our evaluation of the area" said Ricardo Darré, Managing Director of Total E&P Liban.

Click here to download the press release document (English version)
Click here to download the press release document (Arabic version)