Russian LNG-focused firm Novatek earlier this month informed Beirut that it plans to quit its 20% stake in Lebanese exploration Bocks 4 and 9 where it partners TotalEnergies (40%op) and Eni (40%).
These are the only two active blocks offshore Lebanon (see map, MEES, 16 September). The only well off Lebanon to date, 2020’s Byblos-1 on Block 4 (MEES, 1 May 2020), was dry, but Beirut has high hopes for Block 9’s Qana gas prospect. However, with Qana thought to extend across the maritime border with Israel, Total has baulked at drilling a well here in advance of a border settlement (MEES, 16 September). (CONTINUED - 265 WORDS)
