bp plans transfer of key pipeline operations to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye

bp is negotiating the transfer of operator responsibilities for the Baku–Supsa and Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipelines to the relevant state authorities of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, the company confirmed in response to an official inquiry from media.

According to bp, the transfer of pipeline operations is governed by pre-existing management agreements, under which the operation of export oil and gas pipelines is predetermined and scheduled to be handed over to the appropriate government or state agencies within agreed timelines.

“Under these agreements, the operation of the South Caucasus Pipeline was transferred to SOCAR in both Azerbaijan and Georgia in 2021. Following the same arrangements, the operator functions of the Western Route Export Pipeline (Baku–Supsa) and the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline are to be transferred to the relevant authorities of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye within pre-agreed timelines,” the company stated.

bp emphasized that discussions with the relevant authorities are ongoing to ensure proper planning and timely execution of the necessary steps for the transfer.

Georgian media, citing bp’s local representation, reported that the handover of operator functions is expected to be completed by the end of the first half of 2026, contingent on the conclusion of the required agreements.

The transfer does not extend to the Sangachal terminal. bp will retain its operator role for the Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli and Shah Deniz field blocks and will continue as a shareholder in the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline, holding a 30.1% stake.

By Vafa Guliyeva