The US-based oilfield services giant Weatherford has officially announced its return to Libya after more than a decade of absence, marking a significant development in the country’s efforts to revitalize its energy sector and attract major international partners.
The announcement was made during a meeting on Wednesday between Richard Ward, Deputy Executive Director of Weatherford, and Masoud Suleiman, Chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), at the NOC’s headquarters in Tripoli.
Ward confirmed that the company is fully prepared to resume its technical operations and field services in Libya, highlighting Weatherford’s serious commitment to restoring its presence and contributing to the recovery of Libya’s oil industry.
Weatherford was previously active in the country but suspended its operations following the outbreak of conflict in 2011. Its return is seen as a sign of renewed international confidence in the Libyan market, particularly in the oil and gas sector, which remains the backbone of the national economy.
During the meeting, both sides discussed practical steps to reinitiate services, including technical support for national oil companies, the implementation of advanced field solutions, and plans for long-term cooperation. The NOC welcomed the company’s decision to return and emphasized the importance of leveraging international expertise to enhance operational efficiency and upgrade oil infrastructure across Libya.
This renewed partnership is expected to play a role in boosting Libya’s oil production capacity, which is crucial for economic recovery and fiscal stability. The NOC continues to encourage the return of international companies that had suspended work during past periods of instability, as part of a broader strategy to rebuild trust and ensure sustainable investment in the sector.
