Details added (first version posted at 12:52)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 25
Trend:
Oil and gas wells of the Azerbaijani offshore field Gunashli will be repaired and put into operation by late 2016, said Dashgin Isgandarov, head of Azneft production association of Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR.
He made the remarks at a meeting Feb. 25 at Azneft.
The wells were damaged in a fire at the platform #10 of the Gunashli field.
The fire broke out on the platform Dec. 4, as a strong storm damaged an underwater high-pressure gas pipeline. As many as 33 people were rescued in an ensuing large-scale operation. The bodies of 12 killed were retrieved, while 18 oil workers are still listed as missing. The fire was fully extinguished Feb. 10.
The platform was put into operation in 1984. Twenty-eight wells are being operated there.
Isgandarov also said that regular inspections will be held during 2016 to prevent accidents.
"A new foundation and platforms are planned to be built," he said, adding that 2016 will be an important year for the oil industry.
"Efforts will be intensified to increase oil and gas output," he said. "Construction of unfinished facilities and restoration of the platform #10 of the Gunashli field will be important tasks for 2016."