The energy major, Eni, in partnership with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) through the Mellitah Oil & Gas joint venture (JV), has started hydrocarbon production from the Sabratha Compression Project, an offshore development aimed at sustaining and increasing gas output from the Bahr Essalam field.

Located about 100 kilometers off the Libyan coast, the project includes the installation of a new 1,600-ton compression module on the Sabratha platform. The module is equipped with new compression trains, providing a total compression capacity of approximately 440 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd).

According to Eni, the new compression system enables production under low-pressure conditions, helping offset the natural decline of the Bahr Essalam field and maximize gas recovery. The project is expected to increase gas production by around 800 million cubic meters (mcm) annually, in addition to associated condensate volumes.

The additional gas supplies will support Libya’s domestic power generation, strengthen the country’s energy security, and contribute to gas exports to Italy through the Greenstream pipeline.

Eni said the project’s successful start-up demonstrates its continued cooperation with NOC in delivering complex offshore developments while enhancing the resilience of Libya’s gas infrastructure.

The company also noted that work is progressing on two additional strategic developments in Libya. Commissioning activities are underway at the Bouri Gas Utilization Project following the installation of the Bouri Gas Recovery Module, while execution continues on the Structures A&E project, which aims to develop two offshore gas fields.

Eni has operated in Libya since 1959 and remains the country’s largest international energy operator. The company reported equity production of approximately 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in 2025 and is currently executing three development projects in the country with a combined investment of about $10 billion.