Azerbaijan, Baku, April 27 /Trend E.Ismayilov/
The topsides and drilling equipment of a new platform built under the Chirag oil project will be sent to the installation point in March 2013, a source of oil and gas market told Trend.
The source noted that the construction of the topsides and drilling equipment is currently being implemented. Residential unit, which will be located on the platform, is also being installed.
"The main construction works will be completed by the end of the year and sending of all the structures to the installation location is scheduled for March," the source said.
The source added that it is scheduled to begin general test work in the frame of the topsides and drilling equipment construction in July-August.
"Despite the fact that construction work will be completed by the end of the year, finishing and testing work will continue until March," the source said.
Consortium of companies Amec-Tekfen-Azfen (ATA) carried out the construction of the topsides and drilling equipment. ATA is already engaged in construction of the topsides of one of the technological platforms as part of the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli development.
The Chirag oil project which requires an investment of $6 billion, involves the construction of the new West Chirag platform which will be installed at a depth of 170 metres between the Chirag and Gunashli production platforms.
An advanced drilling project is planned for the period until the first half of 2012. This will then be carried out from the Dada Gorgud installation. First production from the platform is scheduled for late 2013.
It is planned to produce 300 million barrels of oil until the end of the contract by ACG in 2024. The contract to develop the large Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli offshore field was signed in 1994.