en.Wedoany.com Reported - BP and its partners have commenced non-associated gas production operations in the Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli (ACG) field, successfully deploying Multi-Lateral Technology (MLT). The field is operated by BP, with partners including SOCAR, MOL, Inpex, ExxonMobil, TPAO, and ONGC Videsh.
SOCAR emphasized that this project once again confirms the effectiveness of innovative solutions in enhancing production and optimizing operations. In the B18W well drilled on the Central Azeri platform, the project applied a 1.1-kilometer horizontal open-hole liner and advanced drilling and completion technologies, making a significant contribution to project execution. Russell Morrice, Vice President of Drilling for BP Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, stated that he is proud to have worked closely with SOCAR to complete the B18W horizontal well.
Multi-lateral technology enables penetration of multiple reservoirs through a single wellbore, designed to address technical challenges in drilling complex formations and platform slot constraints in the ACG field. The first MLT well, C44, was completed from the West Azeri platform, becoming the first multi-lateral well drilled in the Caspian region. The well achieved excellent safety performance with no incidents, was completed 30 days ahead of schedule, and significantly outperformed timelines in both drilling and completion phases. Morrice noted that the well reflects rigorous planning, high-quality operations, and effective management of subsurface uncertainties, demonstrating the successful integration of subsurface, drilling, and completion disciplines, establishing a compelling business case for the widespread deployment of multi-lateral technology across the field.
Gio Cristofoli, President of BP Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, pointed out that new technical approaches are a cornerstone of BP's broader production decline management strategy for ACG, supporting long-term production sustainability while optimizing capital efficiency. As ACG enters a more complex and mature phase, multi-lateral technology is expected to play a key role in unlocking additional reserves and extending the asset's economic life. This is the first application of this well design in ACG, clearly demonstrating a commitment to deploying the right technology to maximize recovery from existing assets. Cristofoli emphasized that MLT is a transformative solution for ACG wellbore delivery, crucial for sustaining long-term production and unlocking additional value by increasing reservoir contact, improving rig productivity and operational efficiency, optimizing slot utilization, and fully leveraging existing infrastructure.
As part of ACG's strategic technology rollout, BP plans to deploy three MLT wells in 2026, including C44 and D41, both expected to come on stream in the first half of the year. Additional MLT wells will be drilled on ACG assets from 2027 to 2028, further reinforcing the technology's role as a key enabler for future production from mature assets. The operator emphasized that recognizing no single multi-lateral solution can address all ACG reservoir conditions, the development strategy focuses on deploying the optimal technical configuration for each subsurface target. This will involve combining MLT with technologies such as horizontal drilling, advanced geosteering, and intelligent completions to unlock significant potential and further enhance recovery across the field.
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