Baku: BP, the operator of the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field development, has successfully deployed multilateral well technology (MLT) for the first time in ACG, marking a significant step forward in efforts to maximize recovery and sustain long-term production from one of the Caspian's most mature assets.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the introduction of MLT addresses the technical challenges of drilling through complex formations in ACG, alongside increasing constraints on available platform slots. By enabling multiple reservoir penetrations from a single wellbore, multilateral wells provide one of the most effective solutions for enhancing reservoir access, improving drainage efficiency, and maximizing value from existing infrastructure.
The new technological approach is a cornerstone of BP's broader decline management strategy for ACG, supporting long-term production sustainability while optimizing capital efficiency. As ACG continues its transition into a more complex and mature phase, multilateral technology is expected to play a critical role in unlocking additional reserves and extending the economic life of the asset. This is the first time this well design is applied in ACG, demonstrating BP's commitment to deploying the right technologies to maximize recovery from existing assets.
Looking ahead, innovations such as MLT will be essential to sustaining long-term production and unlocking additional value. By increasing reservoir contact, improving rig productivity and operational efficiency, as well as optimizing slot utilization while making the best use of existing infrastructure, MLT is a step-change solution for well delivery in ACG. BP's regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye, Gio Cristofoli, emphasized the role of MLT in delivering energy safely, efficiently, and responsibly while extending the life of this world-class asset.
The first MLT well, C44, has already been successfully delivered from the West Azeri platform, marking a landmark achievement for ACG as the first multilateral well ever drilled in the Caspian. It demonstrates both the feasibility and value of this technology in ACG's complex reservoir environment. Delivered with strong safety performance and no incidents, the first MLT well was completed 30 days ahead of plan, with both drilling and completion phases significantly outperforming timelines.
Beyond its immediate performance, the first MLT well establishes a compelling business case for wider deployment of multilateral technology across the field. BP plans a broader campaign to deploy multilateral wells across the field, beginning with three MLT wells in 2026. The longer-term plan includes further MLT wells across the ACG asset, planned for drilling between 2027 and 2028, reinforcing the technology's role as a key enabler of future production from this mature asset.
Recognizing that no single multilateral solution can address the full range of reservoir conditions in ACG, the development strategy focuses on deploying the optimal technology configuration for each subsurface target. This will involve combining MLT with other technologies such as horizontal drilling, advanced geo-steering, and smart completions, unlocking significant potential to further enhance recovery across the field.