Azerbaijan Oil Platform Begins Production

Oil production at the Deep Water Gunashli (DWG) platform in Azerbaijan has started on schedule, operator BP has announced.

Start-up of the DWG complex completes the third phase of development at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field in Azerbaijan's section of the Caspian Sea.

The complex comprises two platforms - a drilling and production platform bridge linked to a water injection and gas compression platform.

Production is expected to increase through the year as other pre-drilled wells are brought on-stream, prior to commencing platform drilling, says BP.

The DWG complex is expected to produce approximately 320,000 bpd, bringing total ACG oil production, including Chirag, East Azeri, West Azeri and Central Azeri, to over one million barrels per day.

Operator BP holds a 43 percent interest in ACG with Chevron, SOCAR and Inpex each holding a ten percent interest.

The ACG Production Sharing Agreement, signed in September 1994, covers the 30-year phased development of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli contract area.

By Ozge Ibrahim