The energy major, Eni, in partnership with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) through the Mellitah Oil & Gas joint venture, has officially started hydrocarbon production from the Sabratha Compression Project. This significant offshore development is situated approximately 100 kilometers off the Libyan coast and is specifically designed to sustain and increase gas output from the Bahr Essalam field.
Technical Specifications and Operational Capacity
The project involved the complex installation of a new 1,600-ton compression module onto the existing Sabratha platform. This module is outfitted with advanced compression trains, providing a total capacity of approximately 440 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd). This new gas infrastructure allows for production under low-pressure conditions, which is essential to offset the natural decline of the Bahr Essalam field and maximize the recovery of remaining resources.
Impact on Energy Security and Regional Supply
The successful start-up of the Sabratha Compression Project is expected to increase annual gas production by roughly 800 million cubic meters (mcm), in addition to associated condensate volumes. These increased supplies are vital for Libya’s domestic power generation requirements and will significantly bolster the country’s energy security. Furthermore, the project facilitates the continued export of gas to Italy via the Greenstream pipeline, reinforcing Libya offshore gas production as a key component of the regional energy matrix.
Ongoing Strategic Developments in Libya
Eni stated that the successful launch of the Sabratha Compression Project highlights its ongoing partnership with NOC in advancing technically complex offshore developments and strengthening the reliability of Libya’s gas infrastructure.
The company added that progress is being made on two other key energy projects in the country. Commissioning work has commenced on the Bouri Gas Utilization Project after the installation of the Bouri Gas Recovery Module, while development activities continue on the Structures A&E project, which is designed to bring two offshore gas fields into production.
Eni, which has maintained operations in Libya since 1959, remains the largest international energy operator in the region. The company reported equity production of approximately 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025.
