bp, as the operator of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) project, has announced the commencement of oil production from the Azeri Central East (ACE) platform, marking a significant expansion in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea. The ACE platform, representing a $6 billion investment, is the latest addition to the giant ACG field, which first started production in 1997 and has since yielded over 4.3 billion barrels of oil.

The ACE platform, noted for being the seventh oil producing platform in the ACG field, is designed to process up to 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to produce up to 300 million barrels of oil. The platform features state-of-the-art automation and digital technology, making it the most technologically advanced platform operated by bp globally. Its facilities include a fully automated drilling rig and new infield pipelines that connect to existing oil and gas export pipelines, ensuring efficient transportation to the onshore Sangachal terminal.

The project’s strategic significance is highlighted by its timing, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the agreement to develop the ACG field. “This successful start-up is testament to the ongoing close collaboration between bp, SOCAR, and the Government of Azerbaijan, together with the support of our partners,” said Gary Jones, bp’s regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. The ACE platform is expected to significantly enhance oil production capacities, with production anticipated to increase to around 24,000 barrels per day in 2024 as additional wells are completed.

The ACE platform not only stands out for its engineering creativity but also sets a new benchmark for innovative engineering and competitive project delivery in the oil industry. Ewan Drummond, bp’s senior vice president of projects, remarked, “I’m incredibly proud of the team at bp for safely delivering the first bp-operated offshore platform fully controlled from onshore.”

The ACE project is part of a broader strategy by bp to invest in both the current energy system and the energy system of the future. The launch represents the first major investment decision by the ACG partnership since the signing of the extended ACG production sharing agreement in 2017. With its innovative design allowing for gas and water injection into the reservoir to support other platforms, ACE is poised to play a pivotal role in the ACG field’s development for many decades to come.

The start-up of the ACE platform is a testament to bp’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to technological advancements in the oil sector. This platform not only boosts bp’s production capabilities but also demonstrates the potential for future technological integration in the energy sector. By leveraging advanced digital technology and automation, bp is setting new standards in safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in offshore oil production.

  ACG field development, advanced offshore platforms, Azerbaijan, Azeri Central East platform, BP, Caspian Sea, Caspian Sea oil production, oil industry innovation