BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 2. By the end of the third quarter of 2023, the Azeri Central East project had reached a remarkable 94 percent progress milestone, a source at bp told Trend.
According to the company, during the initial three quarters, the ACE platform jacket embarked on its journey from the Heydar Aliyev Baku Deepwater Jackets Factory, its construction site, to its designated location within the ACG field.
"The installation took place in a water depth of 137 meters. Notably, the jacket underwent comprehensive commissioning and testing onshore before its departure, which occurred on March 16," bp said.
The majority of crucial topsides commissioning and testing activities, which were initially planned for onshore execution, were successfully carried out in the first half of the year, the company added. A notable milestone was the blowdown safety testing, performed onshore using nitrogen for the first time, eliminating the need for system testing with hydrocarbons during offshore start-up.
Subsequently, on August 7, the topside unit was transported from the Bayil fabrication yard, its construction site, to the ACG field. The meticulously planned transportation, float-over, and installation processes were completed within approximately two days.
Offshore, the project continued with hook-up activities, the initial rig skid, and the operationalization of various systems, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, as well as the firewater pump, freshwater, and sewage treatment packages.
On September 13, the project reached a significant milestone with offshore habitation, allowing the transfer of all personnel to the ACE platform. Following this achievement, the Derrick Barge Azerbaijan (DBA), which served as a floating hotel during installation, commissioning, and testing, was released.
Regarding the subsea operations, the company noted that the load-out frame was successfully removed from the STB-1 barge, and reinstatement of the jacket mode began. The project also delivered gas spools 1, 3, 5, and oil spool 1, and completed the disconnection of the 16-inch water injection pig receiver at East Azeri.
All other start-up activities and preparations necessary for the commencement of ACE's first oil production in early 2024 are on track and progressing as planned, bp noted.