Oil
is flowing again from Libya's Zueitina port, according to Reuters.
Crude oil exports from Zueitina, one of the nation's eastern ports, were
suspended almost a year ago, cutting off much-needed revenue. Now, Libya
will be able to bring in revenue to the country's central bank, which
is under the control of troops loyal to the internationally recognized
Libyan government.
The first tanker was filled Feb. 22 with oil from the 103 oil field and Harouge Oil Co. The 103 field is pumping about 15,000 barrels of oil per day and Harouge is producing 14,000 bpd from the Amer oil field.
Currently, Libya's oil exports have fallen to less than 200,000 bpd. Many oil fields are left untouched as the country continues to struggle with political and financial crises. Foreign energy companies have pulled much of their staff from the country due to the tension and violence. Additionally, many producers find it difficult to maintain consistent operations at fields that have workers, as evidenced by the recent suspension of production from the country's largest oil field, Sarir, after attacks on a pipeline by extremists, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Sarir produces approximately two-thirds of the Libya's oil exports, but militants blew up the pipeline that carried oil from Sarir to the Hariga terminal - an example of the security risks oil operators face in the country. National Oil Co., the state-owned oil producer, told the Journal the pipeline was repaired and production would start again on Feb. 22.
As oil begins flowing from Sarir again, the Hariga part will have resources to continue exportation. The Hariga port exports oil produced from the Sarir and Messla fields. Since the pipeline was damaged, Hariga has maintained exports from the reserves at the facility.
(PennEnergy, February 24, 2015)
