Eni Launches New Libya Offshore Gas Tender
Eni has launched a bidding process for complex subsea and pipeline work linked to Libya’s offshore gas development, advancing plans to bring the Structure E field into production. The tender marks another step in the Italian energy company’s wider investment program, which aims to increase gas supplies to Libya and maintain exports to Europe.
According to Upstream, the package includes work associated with a tension-leg platform for Structure E. The project forms part of Structures A&E, a joint development by Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC).
The project targets two offshore gas fields in Contractual Area D. Eni plans to connect production to existing treatment facilities at Mellitah, avoiding the need to build an entirely new onshore processing system. The company’s 2026 capital markets update lists start-up for Structures A&E in 2028.
Gas investment carries wider economic stakes
For Libya, the project offers a chance to increase gas availability for power generation while preserving export capacity. The country relies heavily on gas-fired electricity, yet supply constraints and ageing infrastructure continue to undermine power services. Higher production could ease pressure on domestic supply, although it cannot resolve problems across the electricity network on its own.
Exports also carry strategic value. The Greenstream pipeline links western Libya to Italy, giving new offshore production access to an established European market. Additional gas could strengthen this trade relationship, provided production reaches planned levels and infrastructure operates reliably.
The tender also highlights the scale of work required to turn offshore resources into commercial supply. Contractor selection, subsea installation and pipeline connections must all progress before the project can deliver gas. Libya’s political and institutional divisions add uncertainty to the operating environment, making execution as important as investment commitments.
Eni’s latest move is a step forward, not a guarantee of new supplies. The key milestones will be contract awards, construction progress and the planned 2028 start-up. Delivering the project would give Libya more options to balance domestic energy demand with export revenue.
