TotalEnergies will begin drilling its new Lebanon Block 9 offshore gas project from next year following a framework agreement wit Israel alongside partner Eni, which was signed last month.
“Pre-orders have also been placed with suppliers for equipment required,” the company said on Monday.
In Lebanon, TotalEnergies is the operator of exploration Block 9 and holds a 60% interest, alongside its partner Eni, which holds 40%.
The development of its energy sector is crucial for the country’s economy, which is enduring its worst economic crisis in decades.
TotalEnergies’ CEO Patrick Pouyanne noted that the teams in charge of the drilling operations had been mobilised.
“By the end of March, the team mobilised in Beirut will reach more than 20 employees,” said the company.
The French energy company’s teams are working in collaboration with the Lebanese Petroleum Association and Eni to complete drilling “as soon as possible” in 2023, TotalEnergies said.
