By: Suhaib Shams
The East Azeri offshore platform has achieved a significant operational milestone as it reached the 20th anniversary of the start of its production operations, with BP Azerbaijan announcing that total crude oil production from the platform has surpassed the 645 million barrel mark, equivalent to approximately 87 million tons of oil. This achievement comes as a vital part of the major contributions of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field complex, whose total production since operations began in November 1997 has exceeded the 4.7 billion barrel ceiling.
Major Production Achievements
Actual production operations at the East Azeri platform began on October 21, 2006, marking a milestone in the completion of the second phase of the comprehensive development plan for the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli complex. Operational data for the third quarter of 2026 show that the platform's average daily production settles at around 46,000 barrels. The platform plays a pivotal role in supporting the regional energy strategy, supported by advanced infrastructure currently comprising 39 wells drilled to meet extraction needs and maintain reservoir pressure.
Technological Development and National Cadres
The East Azeri platform adopts an approach based on technical innovations to enhance oil recovery and raise operational efficiency. Among the most prominent recent developments is the successful drilling of the D18Z well, which features an open path length exceeding 2,000 meters, of which more than 1,500 meters are located within the sandy zone of the targeted producing layer, directly contributing to maximizing oil flow rates. The company manages these complex operations through a work team comprising about 170 employees, with national cadres forming the vast majority of workers, including the leadership team responsible for managing the platform, reflecting the success in developing local expertise in the oil and gas exploration and production sector.
