BP starts drilling new production well at ACG block, plans more for production boost

The bp-Azerbaijan company has started drilling a new production well from the Central Azeri East (ACE) platform in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field block and also plans to drill 19 new wells at the same field block in 2025.

This announcement was made by Russell Morris, bp's Vice President for Wells in the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Türkiye (AGT) region, at the IADC Drilling Caspian 2025 conference and exhibition in Baku, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"In 2024, we planned to drill 18 wells, but we drilled 19," Morris said. "For 2025, we expect the same level of activity, focusing on improving drilling efficiency on platforms."

He said bp is leveraging advanced technologies to increase well productivity.

"It all depends on the penetration of the reservoir. Technologies must be cost-effective and efficient to maximise oil recovery. We are also actively drilling horizontal wells, which allows us to increase the zone of formation penetration, reduce underbalance and increase efficiency," he said.

Looking ahead, BP is exploring multilateral wells as a promising development. In 2025, the company plans to drill its first multilateral well from the Western Azeri platform, with another slated for 2026. These wells are expected to provide better access to productive horizons, maximizing the field's output potential.

"In terms of technology, we have some interesting work ahead of us. This is a great time for activities not only in the AGT space but also in the whole Caspian region," he added.

Morris also provided an update on the Central Eastern Azeri (ACE) platform, where BP has already begun drilling a new production well.

"Last year, we drilled three production wells from ACE, and the drilling of the fourth well is currently underway. By the end of the year, we expect to be drilling the eighth," he said.

BP is also focusing on improving reservoir management through gas injection wells at the ACE platform. "We plan to drill several gas injection wells to maintain reservoir pressure," Morris explained. "Additionally, we are planning a well for the re-injection of slurry, which is vital for enhancing efficiency and managing waste optimally."

Morris went on to say that BP plans to intensify efforts to maximize the oil recovery factor from the ACG field.

"BP and its partners have already invested around $85 billion in the development of the Caspian region. Approximately 4.4 billion barrels of oil have been extracted from the ACG field, and we plan to continue all efforts to maximize oil recovery from the field. Our goal is not only to maintain the existing infrastructure but also to actively develop it, ensuring long-term sustainability," he emphasized.

Morris reminded that the Shah Deniz field produces about 550,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, while the ACG field produces between 340,000 and 345,000 barrels per day.

"In 2010, at its peak production, ACG reached 823,000 barrels per day—this is truly a world-class field. We continue to explore ways to maximize oil recovery by applying new technologies and innovative approaches," he added.

He also said bp is exploring opportunities to increase investments in Azerbaijan's Caspian sector.

"We continue to actively develop projects in the Caspian Sea, maintaining a high work pace. Currently, there is a natural decline in production from the ACG block, while the Shah Deniz facilities are operating at full capacity. We also plan to start new projects, which will allow us to expand investment opportunities in Azerbaijan's Caspian region," he said.

By Khagan Isayev