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As a result of the 1st offshore licensing round that took place in 2017, TotalEnergies has signed two Exploration and Production Agreements (EPAs) for Blocks 4 and 9, with the Lebanese Republic. Both Blocks are located in water depths ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 meters knowing that Block 9 is in the southern part of Lebanese waters, while Block 4 is central.

On 29 January 2023, a ceremony was held at the Grand Sérail in Beirut, announcing that QatarEnergy joined TotalEnergies and Eni in Blocks 9 and 4 offshore Lebanon. Currently the Right Holders in Block 9 are as follows:

  • TotalEnergies EP Block 9 – Operator holding 35% interest
  • Eni Lebanon BV – Non-Operator holding 35% interest
  • QatarEnergy International Investments (2) LLC – Non-Operator holding 30%

TotalEnergies EP Block 9 (TotalEnergies), in its capacity as Operator of Block 9 has launched the preparation to drill an exploration well in Block 9 in 2023. As such, TotalEnergies is currently seeking expressions of interest for potential participation in the upcoming calls for tender covering the following logistics services: Logistics Base Services, Marine Gas Oil Supply, Vessel Support Services, and Helicopter Services

In line with TotalEnergies commitment towards sustainable development, a second Environmental Baseline Survey (EBS) was carried out in Block 9 offshore Lebanon in February 2023, following the initial study concluded in 2019. To know more, watch the movie.

Exploration Drilling In Block 4

The drilling aimed at evaluating the possible presence of hydrocarbons and was carried by a dynamically positioned drillship, unanchored to the sea bottom. It was completed to a depth of 4,076 meters and through approximately 1,500 meters of water depth. The drilling activity took place 30 km North of Beirut.

The drilling is carried by a dynamically positioned drillship
The drilling activity is taking place 30 km North of Beirut

Steps Of Offshore Exploration Drilling

An exploration well does not allow the production of hydrocarbons however, it verifies their presence and allows the collection of many essential information such as: pressure, temperature, permeability, composition of the geological layers and nature of the fluid within the rocks. The collected data during this stage will validate or not the presence of hydrocarbons. For more info, watch the video.

Previously several important steps have been performed to prepare the drilling activity in Block 4. To know more, please check the videos below.

To know more about TotalEnergies company Exploration and Production activities in the world, kindly click here.

Interpretation of the seismic studies

February 2019

Environmental Baseline Study

March 2019

Well Design

November 2019

Environmental Baseline Survey Report - October 2021: 

In line with our sustainable development objectives, TotalEnergies EP Liban and its partners, in collaboration with the Lebanese Petroleum Administration, are proud to publish the results of the Environmental Baseline Survey (EBS) conducted in Blocks 4 and 9 Offshore Lebanon.

This survey was launched in 2019, through a campaign for the sampling of water and marine sediments at water depth reaching 1,500 meters.

This study establishes the environmental status of the two Blocks, by describing the marine fauna and flora in terms of biodiversity, by analyzing the water and sediment samples collected, and by observing the birds’ diversity.

This is the first study conducted in Lebanese waters at such great depths.

We hope you will enjoy reading the EBS report and discovering its findings!