Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) has agreed with oil companies BP and Shell to conduct hydrocarbon exploration and development studies in three Libyan oilfields.

The memorandum of understanding with BP covers detailed studies to explore the potential for hydrocarbon production in specific fields, including the Messla and Sarir oilfields and surrounding areas.

BP has confirmed plans to reopen its office in Tripoli by the last quarter of 2025, as part of its commitment to managing projects and supervising progress in Libya.

During the signing ceremony in London, NOC chairman and engineer Masoud Suleman expressed his enthusiasm for BP's return and the expanded partnership.

He shared the NOC's ambitions for the company to participate in Libya soon and to take on a larger, more impactful role in advancing the nation's oil industry.

Shell's agreement focuses on evaluating prospects and developing comprehensive studies for NOC's fully owned fields, excluding areas with third-party rights.

Shell will undertake a technical and economic feasibility study for the development of the al-Atshan oilfield and other NOC-owned fields.

The agreements with BP and Shell signify a potential resurgence of foreign investment in Libya's oil sector, according to a report by Reuters.

Libya, the second-largest oil producer in Africa, has experienced disruptions in its oil operations due to conflicts between armed rival factions over oil revenues, which have frequently resulted in the shutdown of oilfields.

Production at Libya's Sarir, Messla and Nafoura oilfields resumed following instructions to engineers at the sites in September 2024.

In March 2025, NOC resumed oil production at the Mabruk oilfield after a ten-year hiatus.

Situated 800km east of Tripoli, the Mabruk oilfield was yielding 34,000 barrels per day before it ceased operations in 2015 due to armed conflicts.