Far from home, united at sea: Chinese, Azerbaijani seismic crew boost energy ties

While China is immersed in the festive joy of the Year of the Horse, the seismic crew of BGP Inc., a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation, continues operations in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, collecting crucial seabed data for energy development, Caliber.Az reports, citing an article on the website of China’s Xinhua News Agency.

"In my 20 years in offshore seismic exploration, I've lost count of how many Spring Festivals I've spent away from home, staying at our posts and fulfilling our duties," said Ye Zhan, the 42-year-old team leader of the seismic crew of BGP Inc., a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

Just before the Spring Festival, two seismic vessels spent only a single day at the Baku Shipyard to complete food resupply and crew rotation before embarking on a new four-week voyage.

The Caspian Sea holds vast oil and gas reserves. In 2018, BGP Inc. partnered with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) to establish Caspian Geo LLC. Since then, the Chinese offshore exploration team has been providing advanced technology and technical services for energy exploration in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea.

Wang Dalong, technical and resource manager of the joint venture, told Xinhua that 35 Chinese personnel are aboard the two vessels, including seasoned veterans from the 1970s and fresh recruits born after 2000. The entire team works in two shifts around the clock to ensure the mission runs without interruption.

"To obtain clear and accurate geological imaging, there is no room for error in any step of the process -- from triggering seismic waves and receiving signals to ensuring data quality," Wang said.

Navigating Caspian winds

Teymur Afandiyev, a local worker with the Chinese offshore exploration team, told Xinhua that the harsh weather conditions of the Caspian are among the toughest challenges they face in their work.

"In a winter-spring season like this, the winds are frequent and strong. They cause the vessels to drift. Below the surface, treacherous bottom currents can shift our equipment on the seabed," said Afandiyev. "However, relying on their vast experience, the Chinese experts have successfully overcome these challenges, ensuring the precision of the seismic data."

The team operates under strict safety protocols, with offshore operations suspended whenever the wave height exceeds three meters. Faced with such conditions, the crew must contend with strong winds and rough seas, ensuring safe operations while keeping the project on schedule.

"My Chinese colleagues are meticulous about their work," said Afandiyev. "I've learned so much from their professional attitude, and there is also a strong sense of unity -- everyone supports one another and is always ready to lend a hand."

Home is where the ship is

Despite being far from home at sea, a sense of home can be felt everywhere. To celebrate the Spring Festival, the Chinese staff have adorned their cabins with traditional "Fu" (good fortune) characters and red couplets, creating a festive atmosphere.

"Personnel from China and Azerbaijan have different cultural traditions and lifestyles, but on the same vessel, we respect and support one another," said Wang. "This friendship is especially precious at sea."

Khanali Ahmadov, operations manager of Caspian Geo LLC, emphasised the strategic importance of energy collaboration between Azerbaijan and China. He said that China's advanced technologies and services will help Azerbaijan overcome the new challenges in developing the oil industry in the Caspian Sea.

"The Spring Festival is one of China's most significant traditions. I would like to wish our Chinese colleagues who remain on duty at sea, and all Chinese people, good health and a prosperous life," said Ahmadov.