Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 7
By Vagif Sharifov – Trend:
At the end of 2016, BP Azerbaijan will be able to get the first results of the data interpretation obtained as a result of the 3D seismic survey on potential prospective structures on the shallow waters around the Absheron Peninsula in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, BP Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey Gordon Birrell told reporters in Baku Sept. 7.
“Seventeen vessels are involved in carrying out seismic survey in the contract area of 200 square kilometers,” said Birrell. “As a result of the data interpretation we will be able to understand if there is a geological structure there.”
The territory of the 3D seismic survey is divided into five zones. In case if positive results are obtained from the survey, BP will be able to choose up to four sites for drilling operations. BP Azerbaijan plans to start exploration drilling in late 2017.
The contract for the geological exploration and development of promising structures in the shallow waters of the Absheron peninsula was signed in December 2014 between the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR and BP.
The territory covered by the agreement extends along the Absheron Peninsula's southern part and covers an area of about 1,900 square kilometers. In this area the sea depth is about 25 meters, and the depth of the bedding of the potentially productive strata - 3,000-5,000 meters.
Some 50 percent of the share by the agreement belongs to BP, 50 percent to SOCAR. BP is the project's technical operator.