Birrell: Seismic survey, exploration drilling planned at ADUA block

Seismic surveys will be conducted first at the Ashrafi-Dan-Ulduzu-Aypara (ADUA) prospective structure block, followed by exploratory drilling, BP Executive Vice President for Production and Operations Gordon Birrell said during a press conference in Baku, according to Report.

"Seismic surveys will be conducted first at the ADUA block, followed by exploratory drilling. If we are successful, the infrastructure for delivering oil or gas can be connected to the existing Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli capacities," he said.

However, he didn't specify the possible timing of these studies.

BP signed agreements with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) today as part of the Baku Energy Week to acquire stakes in two projects. The first is the Karabakh oil field, located 120 km east of Baku, 20-25 km from the Gunashli field, at a depth of 150-200 m, the second is the prospective Ashrafi - Dan Ulduzu - Aypara (ADUA) structure, located 90-110 km northeast of Baku, at a depth of 80-180 m.

In each of these projects, BP acquired 35% from SOCAR. The remaining 65% in the projects remained with the State Oil Company. BP will act as the operator in both projects.