BP has commenced drilling the inaugural well from its Azeri Central East (ACE) platform in the Caspian Sea, bringing the ACE project closer to its first oil production. The drilling initiative is part of the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field development project.

The drilling commenced on December 4, following the successful completion of offshore hookup, installation, and commissioning of the ACE topsides unit. The ACE platform, a new 48-slot production, drilling, and quarters platform, is strategically positioned mid-way between the existing Central Azeri and East Azeri platforms, operating at a water depth of 137 meters.

Gary Jones, BP’s regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, expressed excitement about initiating drilling activities on ACE. The well's plan involves reaching a total depth of up to 3,188 meters over an estimated period of three months.

The ACE project, a $6 billion venture, marks the next developmental stage of the extensive Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli field in the Caspian Sea. The platform is designed to process up to 100,000 barrels of oil per day, with a project lifespan anticipated to yield up to 300 million barrels. The project is on track to deliver its first oil in early 2024.

The ACE platform's installation involved intricate planning for transportation, float-over, and installation activities, completed in approximately two days. The subsequent progress encompassed hook-up activities, rig skid, operationalization of crucial systems, and offshore habitation, ensuring a robust approach to safety, efficiency, and adherence to schedule.

By the end of the third quarter of 2023, the ACE project achieved 94% completion, contributing to the stability of ACG field production. The ACG field delivered an average of approximately 368,000 barrels per day for the first nine months of 2023, with associated gas delivery of about 5.5 million cubic meters per day to the state of Azerbaijan.

The ACE project involves new infield pipelines for oil and gas transfer from the ACE platform to existing ACG Phase 2 oil and gas export pipelines, ultimately reaching the Sangachal terminal onshore. Additionally, a water injection pipeline connects the East Azeri and ACE platforms, supplying injection water from the Central Azeri compression and water injection platform to ACE facilities.

BP anticipates the ACE project to be a significant contributor to the Caspian Sea's energy landscape, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable energy solutions in the region.