Nalut – After more than three years of halted operations, the Sinawen oil field in western Libya has resumed production. This move is part of a gradual process. It aims to restart stalled fields and facilities. The Arabian Gulf Oil Company is leading this effort. These are broader efforts to restore operational readiness to the oil sector.
The field is located within the municipality of Nalut. It had been out of service since 2022. This was due to financial and technical difficulties. These issues were related to shipping operations. Shipping occurred via a 16-inch pipeline connecting it to the Mellitah Industrial Complex. This led to a production halt for approximately three years and seven months.
From Infrastructure to Fields: The October 2024 Pathway
Sinawen’s return was not an isolated step. It is part of a broader pathway that began in October 2024. This pathway included the restart of the Hamada-Zawiya crude oil pipeline. That pipeline had stopped due to technical leaks. These leaks required extensive maintenance and environmental remediation.
The pipeline extends approximately 387 kilometers. It has an 18-inch diameter. It is considered a strategic artery for supplying the Zawiya refinery. Its return to service helped several associated fields resume production. It also restored regular crude oil flows.
Ahmed Al-Oribi spoke in this context. He is the Director of Media and Public Relations at the Arabian Gulf Oil Company. He stated that the Hamada-Zawiya pipeline restart was a technical turning point. It reconnected stalled fields to the main transport network. It also paved the way for addressing operational bottlenecks. These bottlenecks had previously prevented continuous production.
Al-Oribi explained that the company subsequently continued a phased technical plan. This plan included bringing well HH91-65 in the Sarir field back into service. It has a daily production rate of approximately 2,400 barrels. Modern technologies were used in cooperation with specialized companies. The Al-Bayda field’s diesel plant was also restarted. This is part of an approach focused on maximizing the benefit from existing assets.
He added that these measures technically prepared the way. They allowed for the restart of the Sinawen oil field. This followed the completion of maintenance and technical treatment of the export pipeline. Operational bottlenecks were also addressed.
Sinawen’s Return: A Link in a Gradual Pathway
Sinawen’s restart followed technical and engineering work. This included maintenance of pumping systems and the export pipeline. This allowed for the gradual resumption of oil pumping towards the Mellitah complex. All work adhered to safety and operational efficiency standards.
These efforts are part of a trend led by the National Oil Corporation (NOC). It focuses on restoring stalled fields. It also aims to diversify production sources. Improving the stability of oil supplies is another goal.
Between Restart and Sustainability
Specialists believe the real challenge is not in restarting operations. It lies in ensuring sustainable operation. This requires regular maintenance. Stable funding is also crucial. Enhancing technical management efficiency is vital. These steps will transform restarts from temporary successes into a stable production path.
A Long-Term Test
What is happening at the Sinawen field today is part of a broader equation. This aims to rebuild the Libyan oil sector’s operational capacity. These efforts could become a model for restoring stalled fields. Alternatively, they might remain temporary stages. The sector still faces a test of balancing potential with complex realities.