Azerbaijan, Baku, July 8 /Trend, E.Ismayilov/
The British BP Company, which is the operator of the project on development of Azerbaijani offshore Shah Deniz gas condensate field, continues to drill wells in the field. Currently, its depth is 4,690 meters from the projected 7,000, a source in the oil and gas market said on July 8.
According to him, drilling operations are carried out in normal mode.
According to the source, drilling operations are carried out normally.
"The work on well drilling continues. Now the depth of the well is 4,690 meters," said the source.
The source said earlier that the drilling of new wells must be completed in October-November this year.
Previously, BP has completed the conservation of one of the five existing wells on the field. Initially, this well was planned to be completely eliminated because of poor technical condition. Later, a decision was made to preserve it. A source said that the decision to conserve the well was made in connection with the presence of pressure in drill string-casing space. While liquidating the well, it became clear that it can be eliminated partially. About 2,500 meters was liquidated. The remaining 4,000 meters will be conserved.
A source said that it will be drilled at a depth of up to 4,000 meters. It will take 4-5 months. "The work on this well will be launched after the process of drilling of a new well at Shah Deniz is completed. The work is underway," a source said.
He said that now the depth of the new sixth well is 4,460 meters of 7,000 meters. The source said that the work is being conducted in accordance with the schedule. Drilling of a new well should be completed during October-November this year.
Currently, gas production is carried out from four wells. Daily gas production from the platform at the Shah Deniz field is 20 million cubic meters
A peak production from the field within the first stage of development is projected at 8,6-9 billion cubic meters. According to the forecasts, gas production will be increased by another 16 billion cubic meters per year within the second stage of development of the field.
Gas produced from Shah Deniz field is transported to Georgia and Turkey. Azerbaijan gets a part within the project (some part is bought).
Shah Deniz reserves are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters.
The contract to develop the offshore field Shah Deniz was signed June 4, 1996. Members of the agreement are: BP (operator) - 25,5 percent, Statoil - 25,5 percent, NICO - 10 percent, Total - 10 percent, LUKOIL - 10 percent, TPAO - 9 percent, SOCAR - 10 percent. Shares of Shah Deniz field are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas.