Baku: Planned maintenance works are set to commence today on the Central Azeri platform, as part of the annual work programme for the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field development project. bp, the operator of the ACG project, announced that these turnaround (TAR) activities will last for 11 days, during which production from the platform will be reduced but not entirely halted.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the use of advanced technologies on the platforms allows for safe production continuity even during maintenance, minimizing impacts on production while ensuring safe operations. However, production from the East and West Azeri platforms will also see a temporary reduction due to the integrated structure of the Azeri facilities. The TAR will involve critical integrity and maintenance works, flare system upgrades, reliability improvement initiatives, and anomaly elimination activities.

The programme will also support the Central Azeri Gas Expansion (CAGE) project, aimed at increasing gas reinjection capacity to maximize recovery from existing wells. CAGE-related activities will include modifications to compressor suction manifold piping, replacement of temperature instruments, and installation of diverter valves to bolster gas injection capacity and operational flexibility.

This maintenance programme is a planned event and part of normal operations, having been in the planning phase since 2025. It is included in the 2026 Annual Work Programme and Budget, with production curtailment accounted for in the annual production forecast. Other ACG platforms, as well as the Shah Deniz field and Sangachal terminal operations, will continue normal production.

The planned maintenance is deemed essential for ensuring long-term reliability, integrity, and production performance, driven by necessary repair and facility modification works.