National Oil Corporation (NOC) Chairman Eng. Mustafa Sanalla met with the CEO of Eni, Mr. Claudio Descalzi on Wednesday July 8, 2020 at the NOC headquarters in Tripoli to discuss the effects of the illegal oil blockade on oil facilities and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr. Sanalla commented: “We highly appreciate the support from our international partners in these difficult times and in light of the illegal blockade the country is experiencing which is harming our sector. We look forward to the end of the blockade and resuming working with Eni for the benefit of all Libyan people.”
Mr. Descalzi reaffirmed Eni’s full commitment to its operational activities and projects in Libya in addition to its support for NOC initiatives combatting Covid-19. These include NOC’s provision of protective medical equipment, diagnosis and critical treatment equipment – all of which are essential in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic – as part of NOC ‘s sustainable development projects.
The two parties discussed the progress of the development project of the A&E structures which will extend the gas production plateau of the Bahr Essalam field in the coming years and will ensure the supply of gas to the local market.
NOC and Eni are evaluating the possibility of further developing the Burri oilfield, targeting the undeveloped West and North areas of the field, so as to fully exploit the field’s potential.
Eni’s CEO praised the NOC chairman for the continuous commitment of the corporation in providing business continuity and logistics support, as well as the great effort made by Mellitah Oil & Gas Company’s management and employees and all the contractors involved in the activities, despite the current complex and unprecedented scenario.
Furthermore, Eni’s CEO appreciated NOC’s enormous efforts in trying to resolve the blockade that has halted production from Libyan onshore oilfields including fields in which Eni has operations (ie. El Feel and Abu Attifel). Apart from seriously reducing Libyan revenues, the stoppage of oil production may also cause the deterioration of existing oil facilities.
The meeting was attended by Mr Abulgasem Shengheer, NOC board member, Mr Alessandro Puliti, Eni’s Chief Operating Officer of Natural Resources, Mr. Antonio Panza, Regional Manager of Eni North Africa, and Mr Abdulmonem Arifi, Managing Director of Eni North Africa.
