Sangachal: SOCAR has officially taken over the operatorship of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil export pipeline, marking a significant milestone in Azerbaijan's energy sector. The transition was celebrated at a ceremony held at the Sangachal Terminal, commemorating both the 20th anniversary of the BTC pipeline and the transfer of operatorship duties from bp to SOCAR.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Gio Cristofoli, bp's Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye, addressed the event, highlighting BTC's accomplishments over the past two decades and its international significance. He expressed his confidence in SOCAR's ability to uphold the high standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence established by bp. Cristofoli emphasized the importance of the ongoing partnership between SOCAR and other stakeholders in the project.
SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf described the BTC pipeline as a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's modern energy strategy, initiated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Najaf noted that the pipeline has created a crucial energy corridor linking the Caspian region to the Mediterranean, transforming the way Caspian energy resources are delivered to international markets. He highlighted that the transfer of operatorship to SOCAR is a testament to the company's extensive operational experience and professional capabilities developed over more than thirty years.
Deputy Minister of Economy Anar Akhundov praised the BTC pipeline for its role in bolstering Azerbaijan's energy sector, economic growth, and regional cooperation over the past twenty years. Acknowledging bp's successful tenure, Akhundov noted that the transition to SOCAR is a logical step, reflecting the expertise and operational skills honed through years of international collaboration.
Deputy Minister of Energy Kamal Abbasov underscored the BTC pipeline's significance as a symbol of regional cooperation and reliable international partnership. He emphasized that the project's value extends beyond the oil transported; it is also about the trust and long-term relationships built among the involved countries, companies, and communities.
Elkhan Sultanov, bp's Pipeline Operations Manager, shared his long-standing involvement with the BTC project and expressed satisfaction in contributing to its continued success under SOCAR's leadership. He reaffirmed that the highest priority remains the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the pipeline.
The ceremony concluded with Rovshan Najaf and Gio Cristofoli pressing a symbolic control button, signifying the official handover of BTC operatorship and the common operatorship of the BTC and SCP systems to SOCAR.