In a significant stride towards bolstering Azerbaijan’s energy landscape, British Petroleum (bp), the operator of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) project, proudly announced the commencement of oil production from the pioneering Azeri Central East (ACE) platform. Situated amidst the vast expanse of the Caspian Sea, this groundbreaking endeavor marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of offshore energy extraction.
Initiated as part of bp’s strategic vision, the ACE platform embodies the fusion of traditional energy expertise with a forward-looking approach to technological innovation. Designed to process up to 100,000 barrels of oil per day, the project is slated to yield an estimated 300 million barrels over its operational lifespan, propelling Azerbaijan’s position as a formidable player in the global energy arena.
Ewan Drummond, bp’s Senior Vice President of Projects, lauded the achievement, emphasizing the significance of seamlessly integrating cutting-edge engineering with safety and efficiency. He remarked, “This establishes a new benchmark for innovative engineering and competitive project delivery for our company and the wider industry.”
Notably, the ACE platform stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in engineering and digitalization. Boasting state-of-the-art automation and advanced drilling technology, it exemplifies the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices and emission reduction.
Gary Jones, bp’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, hailed the successful collaboration between bp, SOCAR, and the Government of Azerbaijan, underscoring the platform’s role as a harbinger of the field’s next developmental phase.
Jones remarked, “ACE really stands out with its engineering creativity, advanced digital technology, and automation. We are proud to have delivered what we believe is the ‘platform of the future.'”
The safe commencement of ACE production not only underscores bp’s commitment to Azerbaijan’s energy landscape but also marks a significant milestone in the extended ACG production sharing agreement signed in 2017. With an illustrious consortium of stakeholders, including bp, SOCAR, Equinor, and ExxonMobil, the project heralds a new era of collaboration and innovation in the Caspian Sea.
As the oil flows from the ACE platform, it symbolizes not just a triumph of engineering prowess but also a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and progress in Azerbaijan’s energy sector.
