Exxon Mobil achieves milestone in Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya, July 17 (UPI) -- Exxon Mobil announced its affiliate in Libya began drilling its first deepwater exploration well in the Libyan territorial waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Exxon Mobil Libya, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Exploration Co., started drilling at its A1-20/3 well in the offshore Sirte Basin in the Mediterranean Sea.

"We are pleased to start drilling our first deepwater exploration well in Libya based on the rigorous technical work conducted by our Libyan National and expatriate scientists, and in collaboration with the National Oil Corp. to progress our exploration program," said Phil Goss, president of Exxon Mobil Libya.

The deepwater rig can operate in depths of up to 7,200 feet and can drill to a depth of 30,000 feet.

The rig, names Noble Homer Ferrington, is designed to operate in global deepwater environments.

Exxon Mobil Libya said it has completed seismic surveys in various other offshore blocks in the Mediterranean region.