In Tunis on Nov 20, Libyan oil companies expressed their hopes to collaborate with Chinese counterparts to boost production and advance the industry. This was brought up during a technical seminar organized in Tunis by China’s Greatwall Drilling Company (GWDC), a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation, with the participation of more than 20 oil companies from Libya, Tunisia, and South Sudan.
Abdulhadi Abugnima, workover superintendent at the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC), noted that “China has great achievements in the oil and gas sector” and his company is eager to work with major oil companies to increase Libyan oil and gas production. He also expressed interest in bringing down operational costs by utilizing new technologies.
Ghaith Bashir al-Firjani, head of the Well Drilling and Maintenance Department of Libya’s Al-Waha Oil Company, stated: “We seek to make sure that Chinese companies play a role in the Libyan oil sector, as this would create good competition in the sector.”
Muammar Abdussalam, drilling supervisor at Libya’s Mellitah Oil and Gas Company, expressed his strong recommendation for GWDC to return to work in Libya, emphasizing the potential benefits from their experience in multiple oilfields in Libya.
The oil and gas industry is a significant contributor to Libya’s revenue. However, this sector has been negatively impacted by armed conflict and oil field and port closures in recent years.
Last November, Libya’s Minister of Gas and Oil Mohamed Aoun announced the country’s goal to increase oil production to 2.1 million barrels per day and natural gas production to about 4 million cubic feet per day within the next five years.
