Energy and Water Minister Walid Fayad, in a conversation with Sputnik, announced that the drilling ship for oil and gas exploration is expected to start operations in Block 9 by mid-August or the third week of the month, with the drilling and exploration mission projected to last about 90 days from the start date. He stated, "This is an important step as it demonstrates international commitment through Lebanon's key partners in the oil and gas sector, which are 'Total,' 'Qatar Energy,' and 'Eni,' to seriously conduct gas exploration in the Mediterranean waters off Lebanon."
Fayad noted, "The commitment is clear and serious; they have invested funds in preparing the logistical base we inaugurated a few days ago, where they are clearly gathering the necessary equipment and materials on display at this base, as well as building the required offices. Soon, we are preparing for the arrival of one or two helicopters to transport personnel from the airport to the drilling platform."
He added that "Lebanon is logistically ready for drilling, and the drilling rig has sailed from its mooring location to arrive here to start drilling next month. We are following the timeline committed to by the heads of 'Total,' 'Qatar Energy,' and 'Eni.'"
Fayad emphasized, "We are on the oil map of the Mediterranean, a situation that began when we started granting licenses to companies. However, the significant change that makes the matter more serious today is the completion of the border demarcation, as it has solidified the stability required by the international community, which ultimately supports major oil companies that can conduct exploration here; without it, there would be no exploration."
He continued, "Thus, this has firmly placed Lebanon on the oil map and preserved Lebanon's rights to all the oil resources beneath the sea. This would not have been achievable without the equation of strength that Lebanon possesses, which allowed it to secure the demarcation without relinquishing the borders it submitted to the UN or any drop of potential oil resources in the Qana field."
