BAKU — BP, operator of the massive Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oilfield and the Shah Deniz gas field, signed a renewed contract Thursday with Turan Drilling & Engineering Company. The agreement secures drilling services plus operations and maintenance on eight bp-operated offshore platforms in Azerbaijan’s Caspian Sea waters.

Company officials confirmed the extension keeps Turan handling critical tasks at these facilities. The platforms produce oil and gas from two of the region’s largest projects. Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli pumps hundreds of thousands of barrels daily. Shah Deniz supplies natural gas across Europe and Turkey.

The contract renewal ensures steady operations amid rising energy demands. Turan Drilling, an Azerbaijan-based firm, has worked with BP for years on similar projects. Details on the deal’s value remain undisclosed. BP stated the partnership supports local expertise in the energy sector.

Offshore platforms in the Caspian face harsh conditions—strong winds, ice risks and deep waters. Reliable maintenance keeps production flowing. This renewal covers all eight bp sites, from drilling new wells to routine upkeep. Engineers from Turan will manage equipment checks and safety protocols.

Azerbaijan relies heavily on these fields. Shah Deniz alone accounts for over half the country’s gas output. BP leads a consortium including SOCAR, the state oil company, and international partners like TotalEnergies and Equinor. Renewals like this one signal confidence in long-term output.

Industry watchers expect the deal to boost efficiency. Turan invested in advanced rigs last year, cutting downtime by 15 percent on prior contracts, according to bp reports. The Caspian holds vast reserves—estimated at 200 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

BP emphasized safety and environmental standards in the announcement. Crews on these platforms number in the hundreds, rotating from Baku bases. The renewed terms run through at least 2026, officials said. No disruptions occurred during negotiations.

This move aligns with BP’s strategy to consolidate local suppliers. Turan employs over 1,000 workers, many trained in the UK and Norway. The company grew from a small outfit in 2002 to a major player in Caspian drilling.

Regional energy exports hit records last year. Shah Deniz Phase 2, fully online since 2021, pipes gas via the Southern Gas Corridor to Italy. Oil from Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli travels through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline to Mediterranean ports.

Contract extensions help stabilize jobs and supply chains. Azerbaijan aims to double gas exports by 2030. BP’s commitment highlights the Caspian’s role in Europe’s shift from Russian energy.