OFFICIAL NEWS
TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE CEREMONY ON INAUGURATION OF THE SEMI- SUBMERSIBLE RIG ‘LEADER’
Dear oilmen,
Today, a landmark event is occurring in the history of Azerbaijan’s oil industry. In the frame of the successfully implemented contracts concluded between Azerbaijan and the world leading oil companies, a new semi submersible rig is being inaugurated to provide exploration and development of the rich offshore oil and gas fields in the Caspian.
On this landmark event, I extend my cordial congratulations to all the contributors – oilmen, engineers, specialists, and representatives of the foreign oil companies.
I named it ‘Leader’. Indeed, this rig is a gigantic and enormous production enterprise that meets equipments of the modern science and technology. Commissioning of the biggest and strongest drilling rig at the Caspian is a new qualitative phase in development of the entire infrastructure of oil industry. For technical capacities, the ‘Leader’ is able to work in every depth of the Caspian. I am sure that this installation will be a vanguard and leader.
Along the history, Azerbaijan was the first in development of the Caspian hydrocarbon resources. In 1994, the independent Azerbaijan after declaring its new oil strategy, our oilmen have acquired modern rigs as ‘Dede Gorgud’, ‘Istiglal’ and ‘Gurtulush’, able to work in numerous depths. It is pleased that these rigs are successfully operating now.
The offshore oilmen are usually courageous, selfless, and staunch. I wish those who work in the ‘Leader’ drilling rig, robust health, new success in the name of our nation and Motherland.
Dear ceremony participants, I once again welcome all of you, and wish you efficient work, tranquility, and progress.
Heydar Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
24 July 2003