CNPC Operations in Libya

=History=

CNPC entered the Libyan market in 2002 when it won a contract to build a pipeline in the western part of the country, investing jointly with Italy's Agip. A few years later in 2005 the company signed an exploration and production agreement with the National Oil Corporation of Libya (NOC) to explore oil reserves.

When conflict broke out in 2011, CNPC had 391 Chinese employees in the country, all of which were evacuated in February 2011. As of January 2013 there were no reports that CNPC had returned to operate in Libya.

=Activities and Contracts=

In Libya, CNPC operates through its wholly owned subsidiary the Great Wall Drilling Company (GWDC).

In December 2005 CNPC signed a risk exploration contract for Block 17-4, in collaboration with the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC). The block is located in the Pelgaian Basin off the north-west coast of LIbya and covers an area os 2.566 square kilometres, with a depth of 200-400 metres. The contract is one of Libya's exploration and production sharing agreements (EPSA) and covers five years of exploration and 25 years of production.

Aside from its stake in exploration blocks, CNPC also built a set of 520-kilometre twin pipelines linking the Wafa field and Mellitah export facilities, from where oil and gas products are exported to Europe and elsewhere.

=References=