Tunisia and Libya Revive Offshore Oil Project with New Tender

Tunisia and Libya are set to advance their joint offshore oil and gas projects with a new tender announced by Joint Oil. The process, scheduled to open on September 7, 2026, targets both the development of the Zarat discovery and the exploration of the Joint Oil Block. This initiative represents a significant step in harnessing the shared hydrocarbon potential in the Gabès-Tripoli basin, an area spanning approximately 3,000 km² with water depths ranging from 80 to 120 meters.

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The process will begin on September 7, 2026, and bids must be submitted no later than January 8, 2027.

According to Joint Oil and its advisor, Moyes & Co., interested companies must submit their bids by January 8, 2027. Successful bidders will be notified by February 26, 2027, with official assignments anticipated by April 30, 2027. The tender is divided into two distinct parts: the first focuses on exploring the Joint Oil Block for new oil and gas structures, utilizing extensive seismic data and existing well information. The second part concerns the unified development of the Zarat discovery, which straddles the maritime border between Tunisia and Libya.

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The block covers approximately 3,000 km², with water depths between 80 and 120 meters.

The Zarat discovery has already been extensively documented through exploration work, including seismic surveys and multiple wells. Technical data indicates significant gas columns in Zarat-1 and Zarat North-1, with potential oil rings also identified. Joint Oil has outlined a two-phase development scenario, initially involving three wells and a second phase with three additional wells and a contingency option. The company has also considered feasibility studies for CO₂ sequestration and inert gas optimization, underscoring a forward-looking approach to resource development.

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A 75-meter gas column on Zarat-1 and a 49-meter gas column above a 15 to 18-meter oil ring on Zarat North-1.