Baku, August 16, AZERTAC

On this day, Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) produced its three billionth barrel of oil since the start of production from the Chirag platform in 1997, according to BP.

“This is a significant milestone for both BP and for Azerbaijan and it is thanks to huge efforts by all individuals and teams involved. I would like to thank everybody who made this day happen,” says Gordon Birrell, BP regional president for Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey.

ACG is a complex of six production platforms: Chirag-1, Central Azeri, West Azeri, East Azeri, Deepwater Gunashli, West Chirag; and two process, gas compression, water injection and utilities (PCWU) platforms, equipped with latest technologies.

Elkhan Mamedov, AGT production vise president (VP) recalls the days when he witnessed the first oil from the Central Azeri platform: “I remember myself in the capacity of an instrument technician cracking a valve on the first oil inauguration ceremony on Central Azeri around 10 years ago! And it is a huge privilege for me to witness the 3 billion barrels milestone in my current capacity as the Production VP. This is a truly remarkable achievement and a result of countless number of efforts by all people involved. This is certainly not the end and more exciting milestones are yet to come!”.

The last phase in the series to date was the Chirag Oil Project, which was sanctioned in 2010. As part of this phase, the West Chirag platform was installed between the existing Chirag and Deepwater Gunashli platforms. First oil from the platform was achieved on 28 January 2014.

“What a remarkable achievement and it is a good reminder to remember all of our colleagues that worked so hard and smart to contribute to this outstanding result. From the signing through appraisal and development and then into production,” said Greg Riley, exploration vice president. “I think it is especially rewarding that it occurs at a time of such sustained high performance. So congratulations not only to all of those who worked so hard to get us to this momentous milestone but also to all of those who are playing a part in sustaining safe and reliable production.”

The ACG field has been developed in several phases: The Chirag platform started producing in 1997 as part of the Early Oil Project. This was followed by Phase 1, the Azeri Project, during which production started from the Central Azeri platform in early 2005. Phase 2 included West Azeri and East Azeri, starting production in December 2005 and in late 2006 respectively. The next ACG development phase - Phase 3 Deepwater Gunashli - started up in April 2008.

“My congratulations to everyone for this fantastic achievement! Not only is ACG a world class reservoir, it is being managed by a world class team of people delivering safe, reliable and increasingly cost effective operations,” adds Tony Hunt, operations vice president. “Since the first production from the early project on Chirag to the start-up of the latest West Chirag platform in the complex in early 2014, we have consistently delivered exceptionally high plant reliability. This, combined with great performance in new well delivery from colleagues in Global Wells Organization and Reservoir Development, has resulted in this great milestone of 3 billion barrels of oil produced. We can therefore look forward, with confidence, to the next 3 billion barrels.”