The Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) announced on December 11 that it has granted Norwegian Firm TGS a license to conduct a 3D seismic survey in an area spanning over 1,300 square kilometers in Block 8 in South Lebanon, which is possibly rich in natural gas. Dr. Walid Fayad, the caretaker Minister of Energy and Water, revealed that out of the ten offshore blocks, Block 8 is the only one that was not subjected to a 3D seismic survey as the maritime border demarcation agreement was not signed back then. According to Dr. Fayad, TGS has committed to finance 50% of the cost of the survey. Dr. Fayad also noted that the MoEW is relying on attracting international (French and American in particular) companies after the approval of the ceasefire agreement. Dr. Fayad stated that the consortium of Total Energies, ENI and Qatar Energy was not granted the exploration deals in blocks 8 and 10 in the second licensing round as they did not commit to two new conditions required by the council of Ministers (shorten the exploration period and increase the State’s share in case of a commercial discovery) and hopes that they will abide by these requirements and show interest in the third round.