bp awards major automation contract for Shah Deniz compression project

bp has announced that the Shah Deniz consortium has awarded Emerson a major automation contract for the $2.9 billion Shah Deniz Compression (SDC) project in Azerbaijan.

The contract covers integrated control and safety systems for remote operations of the SDC platform, including process control, safety shutdown, fire and gas detection, and power management systems, Caliber.Az reports per bp.

The systems will provide real-time monitoring and remote control of critical platform operations, supporting safety, reliability and operational efficiency while helping reduce operating costs.

“This milestone comes as the overall project continues to make strong progress, with around 30% completion achieved to date and around 2,700 people currently mobilised. Engineering and fabrication activities are advancing as planned across multiple work fronts, drawing strongly on Azerbaijan's resources, expertise and industrial capabilities as we continue to move the project forward,” said Ilgar Mammadov, bp project general manager.

The automation systems will be a key component of the unmanned compression platform, which is designed to operate remotely throughout its lifecycle.

The SDC project is intended to maximise recovery from the Shah Deniz gas field by accessing low-pressure gas reserves and extending production over the long term. It is expected to enable around 50 billion cubic meters of additional gas and approximately 25 million barrels of additional condensate production and exports.

The project includes the installation of an electrically powered unmanned compression platform in 85 meters of water, approximately 3 kilometres from the existing Shah Deniz Bravo platform. Equipped with four 11-megawatt compressors, the facility will compress gas from the Shah Deniz Alpha and Shah Deniz Bravo platforms before it is sent to the Sangachal terminal.

Construction is progressing, with project completion expected in 2029. First gas for compression from Shah Deniz Alpha is expected in 2029, followed by Shah Deniz Bravo in 2030.

By Sabina Mammadli