BP Launches Acid Stimulation Vessel in Caspian Sea

BP as operator of the Azer-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field development project has launched a newly retro-fitted vessel to be used for acid stimulation activities in selected 17 ACG wells.

This is the first time wells stimulation from a vessel technique will be applied to the Caspian to enhance field production, BP said.

The retro-fitted vessel, the Caspian Provider, is owned by Topaz and the project was implemented by Baker Hughes GE.

Mike Zanghi, BP’s vice president, Wells, said: “We have been thinking about optimizing our wells stimulation activity for some time looking at various options. Globally, this operation is performed from fit-for-purpose pumping vessels, however, due to the logistical constraints related to transportation via canals, it has been impossible to bring such a vessel to the Caspian. Therefore, we decided to install the stimulation plant onto one of our service provider vessels relieving our platforms from a resource consuming operation. This is yet another modernization effort for the Caspian which will enable us to further enhance the efficiency of our assets including production. Taking this opportunity I would like to thank our contractor Baker Hughes GE for completing this Caspian first project safely and efficiently.”

Commissioning activities on the vessel were completed at the end of November with plans to start the first stimulation operation for the West Azeri platform in mid-December.