BP is set to expand its operations in the Shah Deniz gas field offshore Azerbaijan with the addition of six new wells, reported Reuters.

This move aims to maintain stable production levels and support the increasing demand for gas exports to the EU, particularly as the EU seeks alternatives to Russian supplies.

Under a 2022 agreement, Azerbaijan is expected to double its gas exports to the EU to at least 20 billion cubic metres (bcm) annually by 2027.

Located in the Caspian Sea and developed by a bp-led consortium, the Shah Deniz gas field currently comprises 21 gas wells and plays a key role in Azerbaijan's energy export strategy.

BP's vice-president for the Caspian region, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, highlighted that the field's output rose to approximately 28bcm in 2024, up from around 26bcm in 2023.

The field's current output averages 76 million cubic metres per day (mcm/d), close to its total capacity of 79mcm/d.

Aslanbayli added: “We plan to put into production six more wells in this field in the coming years, which will help maintain a plateau for several years.”

In a recent incident, gas flows from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria and Serbia were temporarily disrupted due to technical issues with a pipeline.

Despite this, Aslanbayli confirmed that there are no planned maintenance shutdowns for the platforms this year.

Additionally, bp initiated production at the new Azeri Central East (ACE) offshore platform in April last year to address the decline in output at the Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli (ACG) oilfields, which peaked in 2010.

Azerbaijan expects to maintain its oil production at 29 million tonnes per annum, equivalent to 580,000 barrels per day, in both 2024 and 2025.

The ACE platform contributed four million barrels in 2024 and is expected to increase its output as more wells are drilled in 2025.

“This is helpful, as we work to slow down the natural decline and maximise recovery from ACG,” Aslanbayli said.

Separately, bp and Engineers India Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on technical support for global oil, gas and refining activities.

Under the MOU, both companies will identify key capabilities to support bp’s global operations, including refining, terminals, pipelines and offshore assets.

The partnership, valid for three years, focuses on providing technical support across oil and gas production, refining operations and offshore/subsea portfolios.