Libya has announced the successful completion of its first artificial intelligence (AI)-directed drilling operation at the Al-Khair oil field, a development the National Oil Corporation (NOC) says marks a significant step in the country’s oil sector modernisation and positions it among early adopters of autonomous drilling systems globally.
The operation was carried out by the Sirte Oil and Gas Production and Manufacturing Company, using AI-enabled drilling technologies developed in collaboration with international energy technology partners. According to the NOC, the system was deployed to guide directional drilling in real time, reducing the need for manual control during key phases of the operation.
The corporation described the project as both a national milestone and a broader technological benchmark for the industry.
“Sirte Oil Company has carried out a directional drilling operation at the Al-Khair oil field using an artificial intelligence application, marking the first operation of its kind in Libya and the second worldwide,” the National Oil Corporation stated.
Officials explained that the AI system was responsible for well placement optimisation, continuous geological interpretation, and automated steering adjustments while drilling the horizontal section of the well. This enabled real-time decision-making based on subsurface data rather than solely on human interpretation.
The NOC further reported that the technology significantly improved drilling performance metrics during the operation.
“The rate of penetration doubled compared to previous operations in the same field,” the corporation said, adding that the system enabled continuous adjustments to drilling trajectory based on live data analysis.
The drilled section reportedly extended to approximately 1,800 feet horizontally, with the AI system continuously processing reservoir characteristics to maintain optimal well positioning within the target zone.
Initial production tests from the well indicated output of roughly 1,060 barrels per day, according to figures provided by the company. Engineers involved in the project noted that the AI-assisted system also reduced operational delays typically associated with directional corrections and geological uncertainty.
Industry observers have described the development as part of a broader global shift toward digital oilfield operations, where automation, machine learning, and predictive analytics are increasingly integrated into upstream oil production. These technologies are aimed at improving efficiency, reducing operational risks, and optimising hydrocarbon recovery from mature fields.
The National Oil Corporation emphasised that the achievement reflects Libya’s efforts to modernise its energy infrastructure and adopt advanced technologies despite ongoing sectoral challenges. It also highlighted the potential for expanded use of AI-driven systems in future drilling campaigns across other Libyan oil fields.
While Libya has framed the operation as one of the earliest globally recorded applications of fully AI-directed drilling, industry analysts note that similar technologies are being tested in other major oil-producing regions, though levels of automation and deployment vary widely.
The Al-Khair operation is expected to serve as a reference point for future digital transformation projects within Libya’s upstream oil industry, particularly as the country seeks to stabilise and increase production capacity.
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