Joint Oil Extends Offshore Block Bid Round Deadline
Energy firms have until the end of 2026 to submit proposals for the 3,000-square-kilometer Zarat project.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Joint Oil has extended the bid deadline for its 3,000-square-kilometer offshore exploration block to December 31, 2026. This extension impacts international energy firms looking to access exploration data for the site located off the coast of Tunisia and Libya.
Why it matters
The extension provides more time for energy operators to perform technical due diligence on the offshore block. This delay highlights the complex administrative process required to secure development rights in cross-border maritime territories.
The offshore project covers 3,000 square kilometers across the maritime border of Tunisia and Libya. The status of technical requirements for potential bidders remains unknown as the selection process continues.
The players
Joint Oil
A joint venture between the Libyan and Tunisian governments focused on hydrocarbon resource development.
Moyes & Co.
A specialized energy advisory firm supporting the bid round management process.
The details
Joint Oil is managing the procurement process with advisory support from Moyes & Co. Operators interested in the block can apply for access to data rooms to evaluate development potential, with additional project details slated for presentation at an Africa-focused industry conference in London on November 12.
Timeline
September 7, 2026: The bid round opened.
November 12, 2026: The project will be presented at an Africa conference in London.
December 31, 2026: The bid round closes.
January 8, 2027: The submission deadline for bids occurs.
April 30, 2027: Expected date for formal contract awards.
Market Landscape
This bid extension reflects the standard administrative cycle for cross-border offshore blocks. The process follows the cooperative management pattern established by the 2022 UNCLOS maritime boundary protocols for shared resource development.
Energy operators should calibrate their technical valuation timelines against the new December 31, 2026 closing date. Firms seeking participation should prioritize securing access to official data rooms ahead of the November 12 presentation in London.
The takeaway
The extended timeline creates a window for operators to refine their exploratory models before the January 8, 2027 bid submission. Monitor the November 12 London presentation for specific technical data disclosures that could shift bid valuations.
Further reading
For context on international exploration markets, visit our Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oil & Gas Middle East.
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