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Al Jurf Offshore Field
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The Al Jurf offshore field is located on the western continental shelf of Libya in the Mediterranean Sea, near the maritime border with Tunisia. Situated about 150 kilometers offshore, it operates within the C137 concession block. Although the field was initially discovered in the 1970s, significant development and commercial production only began in 2003. It is operated by Mabruk Oil Operations, a joint venture involving the National Oil Corporation (NOC), France's TotalEnergies, and Germany's Wintershall Dea. The production setup consists of a central drilling platform linked to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel named Farwah. This FPSO system allows for the efficient processing and storage of crude oil at sea, facilitating direct offloading to tankers for international export. Al Jurf is a key contributor to Libya's offshore energy output and demonstrates the effectiveness of utilizing floating infrastructure in deep-water environments. The field remains a vital asset for the national economy and a model for cross-border resource management.
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 24 | 20 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 24 | 25 | 12 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 26 | 30 | 38 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Al Jurf is an offshore oil field in the Mediterranean Sea near the Libyan-Tunisian border, operated by international consortia. It contributes significantly to Libya's oil production and export capacity.
Visiting
The offshore platform is not accessible to the public; only authorized personnel can visit by boat or helicopter. The general public can see the platform from a great distance from the coast, especially from cliffs near the border.
Where to view it
The best public viewpoints are from the coastal cliffs along the Libyan-Tunisian border, where the platform becomes a small dot on the horizon on clear days. Using binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens will reveal the details of the offshore installation and support vessels.
Local products
The field extracts crude oil that is transported via pipelines for export, so no consumer products are available directly. In nearby coastal communities like Zuwara or Ben Gardane, visitors can find fresh seafood and local handicrafts in the markets.
Active season
Oil production at Al Jurf runs continuously year-round, though scheduled maintenance can temporarily reduce output. Activity is most visible during supply vessel movements and helicopter flights, which are frequent during crew change days.
Nearby
Combine a visit to the Al Jurf area with the coastal city of Zuwara in Libya, known for its beautiful beaches and fishing port. The nearby Tunisian border town of Ben Gardane also provides a bustling cross-border market and cultural mix.
Geography
Facts
- Al Jurf is located approximately 150 kilometers off Libya's west coast.
- Commercial oil production officially commenced in 2003.
- It is operated by Mabruk Oil Operations (NOC, Total, Wintershall).
- The field uses the FPSO vessel 'Farwah' for offshore operations.
- The field is located within the C137 maritime concession block.
- It is situated close to the maritime border between Libya and Tunisia.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Al Jurf oil field?
An offshore oil field in the Mediterranean Sea near the Tunisian border.
Who is the main operator?
The field is jointly operated by Libya and foreign partners such as Total.
What is special about the technology used there?
It uses a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit.
Is diving allowed nearby?
No, the area is closed to private water activities.
How deep is the water there?
The water depth in the field area is about 90 meters.
Al Jurf Offshore Field: where is it located?
Al Jurf Offshore Field is located in Libya.
Al Jurf Offshore Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Nov.
Al Jurf Offshore Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Al Jurf offshore field is located on the western continental shelf of Libya in the Mediterranean Sea, near the maritime border with Tunisia.
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