Sangachal: On 2 July 2026, a ceremony was held at the Sangachal Terminal to mark the 20th anniversary of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil export pipeline, as well as the transfer of BTC operatorship and the common operatorship of the BTC and South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) systems to SOCAR, SOCAR told APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency,Gio Cristofoli, bp's Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye, addressed the event, highlighting BTC's achievements over the past two decades, its international significance, and bp's longstanding role as operator. Cristofoli expressed confidence that SOCAR would successfully maintain the existing high standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence in pipeline operations. He also emphasized that the close and long-term cooperation with SOCAR and other partners would be further strengthened.
SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf described the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline as a significant achievement of Azerbaijan's modern energy strategy, founded by National Leader Heydar Aliyev. He noted that BTC had established a strategic energy corridor linking the Caspian region to the Mediterranean via the Black Sea basin, fundamentally transforming the model for bringing Caspian energy resources to international markets. Najaf emphasized that the transfer of BTC operatorship, as well as the common operatorship of the BTC and SCP systems to SOCAR, represents another important milestone in Azerbaijan's energy sector development, showcasing SOCAR's extensive operational experience and professional capabilities built over more than three decades.
Deputy Minister of Economy Anar Akhundov stated that over the past twenty years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline has significantly contributed to the development of Azerbaijan's energy sector, sustainable economic growth, and regional cooperation. Acknowledging bp's successful performance as operator over the past two decades, he emphasized that the transfer of operatorship to SOCAR is a logical outcome of the professional expertise and operational capabilities developed through years of international partnership.
Deputy Minister of Energy Kamal Abbasov noted that BTC holds special significance as a symbol of regional cooperation and reliable international partnership. He stressed that the project's value is measured not only by the volumes of oil transported over the past two decades but also by the trust, cooperation, and long-term partnerships it has fostered among countries, companies, and peoples across the region.
Elkhan Sultanov, bp's Pipeline Operations Manager and a veteran oil professional, expressed his satisfaction at continuing to contribute to the successful operation of the BTC project during this new phase of operatorship under SOCAR. He emphasized that ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the pipeline remains the highest priority.
The ceremony concluded with Rovshan Najaf and Gio Cristofoli pressing the symbolic control button, signifying the transfer of BTC operatorship and the common operatorship of the BTC and SCP systems to SOCAR.