TotalEnergies, Eni, and QatarEnergy enter Lebanon’s offshore Block 8, launching seismic surveys to reassess exploration potential despite earlier setbacks.
TotalEnergies, in partnership with Eni and QatarEnergy, has formally entered into an offshore exploration agreement with the Lebanese government for Block 8, marking a renewed phase of upstream activity in Lebanon’s offshore energy sector. Under the terms of the agreement, TotalEnergies will act as the operator with a 35% participating interest, while Eni will also hold a 35% stake and QatarEnergy the remaining 30%.
This new offshore exploration permit reflects the consortium’s continued confidence in the geological potential of Lebanon’s maritime area, despite recent exploration challenges in adjacent blocks. Block 8 is considered a strategically important offshore acreage, located in Lebanese waters that have attracted growing international attention due to their prospective hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
As part of the initial phase of exploration, the consortium has outlined a comprehensive work program designed to improve subsurface understanding and reduce exploration risk. The centerpiece of this program is the acquisition of a high-resolution 3D seismic survey covering approximately 1,200 square kilometers. This advanced seismic campaign will generate detailed geological and geophysical data, enabling the partners to better evaluate the structure, stratigraphy, and potential hydrocarbon traps within Block 8. The results of this survey will play a crucial role in determining subsequent exploration decisions, including the possibility of future exploratory drilling.
The move into Block 8 follows the drilling of the Qana exploration well in neighboring Block 9, which ultimately did not yield commercially viable results. While such outcomes are a normal part of frontier exploration, the partners have emphasized that the lack of success at Qana has not diminished their long-term interest in Lebanon. Instead, lessons learned from Block 9 are expected to inform and strengthen the technical approach for Block 8.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, reiterated the company’s commitment to Lebanon’s offshore exploration efforts. He noted that although the Qana well did not meet expectations, the consortium remains determined to continue exploration activities in the country. According to him, the focus will now shift fully toward Block 8, where TotalEnergies, alongside Eni and QatarEnergy, will work closely with Lebanese authorities to advance exploration in a responsible and technically rigorous manner.
For Lebanon, the entry into Block 8 represents an important step in sustaining momentum in its offshore oil and gas ambitions. Successful exploration could contribute to strengthening national energy security, attracting foreign investment, and supporting long-term economic development. The collaboration with experienced international energy companies also ensures access to advanced technology, global expertise, and best practices in offshore operations.
Overall, the Block 8 agreement underscores the consortium’s strategic patience and long-term perspective in the Eastern Mediterranean. While exploration outcomes remain uncertain, the planned seismic survey and continued cooperation between international partners and Lebanese authorities signal a clear intent to thoroughly assess the offshore potential and keep Lebanon firmly on the regional energy exploration map.
