Licensing for a Sustainable Petroleum Sector

Licensing is a critical component of Liberia's oil and gas industry, ensuring responsible exploration, production, and management of the nation's petroleum resources. The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) plays a central role in facilitating transparent and efficient licensing processes that attract credible investors while safeguarding national interests and promoting sustainable energy development.

Licensing at NOCAL

Types of Licenses Offered by NOCAL

Exploration

Exploration Licenses

Granted to companies seeking to explore geological potential in designated offshore areas for petroleum potential.

Production

Production Licenses

Issued to entities that have discovered commercially viable petroleum deposits and are ready to begin extraction activities.

Development

Development Licenses

Provided for the planning, construction, and management of infrastructure required for petroleum extraction and distribution.

The Licensing Process

01 📄

Initial Inquiry

Contact us to express interest & receive preliminary information about available blocks or opportunities.

02 📁

Eligibility Review

Submit company credentials, financial statements, & technical documentation for evaluation.

03

Application Submission

Complete the official license application form, providing all required supporting documents.

04 🔍

Evaluation & Negotiation

NOCAL reviews the application, conducts due diligence, and engages in discussions to finalize terms and obligations.

05

Approval & Issuance

Once approved, NOCAL issues the license in accordance with the Petroleum Law of Liberia and other regulatory requirements.

Begin Your Licensing Journey

Partner with NOCAL to explore Liberia's petroleum opportunities responsibly and sustainably. Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through every step of the licensing process. Contact us today to learn more or start your license application.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOCAL manages Liberia’s petroleum resources on behalf of the State. Its mandate includes commercial operations (exploration, production, marketing, and asset management) and national strategic responsibilities such as capacity building, state participation, and petroleum data stewardship.

NOCAL participates through:

  • Executive Allocation of petroleum blocks directly to NOCAL
  • Government interest in Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) with international oil companies (IOCs)

A PSC is an agreement between a government and an oil company to explore and produce petroleum. The State retains ownership of the oil, while the company finances exploration and production.

  • Cost Oil: portion of oil allocated to the contractor to recover costs
  • Profit Oil: remaining oil shared between the State (or NOCAL) and the contractor
  • Royalties and taxes may still apply depending on the country
  • NOCAL may participate through carried interest and revenue sharing

NOCAL promotes Liberia’s petroleum prospects by participating in major oil and gas conferences, publishing basin data, hosting investor meetings, and engaging prospective exploration companies.

NOCAL embeds environmental compliance in PSCs, enforces national and international standards, and works with regulatory agencies to ensure responsible and sustainable petroleum operations.

NOCAL is mandated to lead the development of local expertise in the petroleum sector through:

  • Technology and skills transfer
  • Promotion of Liberian businesses and workforce participation
  • Influence on petroleum contract negotiations through the Hydrocarbon Technical Committee (HTC)

Liberia’s exploration efforts focus on deep-water offshore areas, especially the Liberia Basin and the Harper Basin, which contain ultra-deep blocks currently under negotiation for new PSCs.

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