Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has given the green light to begin installing giant compressors at the offshore Bahr Essalam gas field, marking a major step in the country’s drive to boost gas output and meet export commitments to Italy.
NOC Chairman Masoud Suleiman approved the start of the installation phase, underscoring the project’s strategic role in supporting Libya’s production growth and ensuring energy reliability.
On Tuesday, Bashir Mohamed, Chairman of the Management Committee at Mellitah Oil & Gas Company, visited the Sabratha offshore platform to review final preparations for the compressor installation. He was accompanied by committee members Ayman Ben Ashour, Khaled Belaou, Alessandro, and Executive Director of Joint Projects Ayman Al-Maghrabi, along with several senior managers.
The visit aimed to assess the readiness of all technical teams to execute the project with maximum efficiency and occupational safety. Mohamed praised the effective cooperation of state security and sovereign agencies in facilitating logistics and operations, conveying Suleiman’s gratitude to all personnel stationed on the Sabratha platform.
According to Attaqah news website, the project will increase Bahr Essalam’s gas production by approximately 100 million cubic feet per day.
The Italian energy company Eni, a key partner in Libya’s gas development, is implementing three gas projects across the country and plans further expansion. Since 2023, Libya’s government has approved three major Eni-led projects, including the Sabratha compression project — expected to be completed by the end of this year — the Bouri gas utilisation project set for 2026, and new infrastructure at Bahr Essalam, where drilling began in April.
