BP closes down Central Azeri for "planned maintenance"

(Baku Daily) - As part of the ACG annual work programme, a planned maintenance programme (turnaround - TAR) is currently being implemented on the Central Azeri platform, BP said.

These activities are an important part of maintaining the high plant efficiencies that have been achieved on ACG.

The maintenance programme started on 31 October by gradually reducing production from the Central Azeri platform to full suspension on 6 November. The platform is expected to re-start on 27 November.  

"This is a routine planned maintenance programme and is part of normal operations," the company said. "The planning for the programme started in early 2013 and these activities are included in the annual work programme and budget."

The programme work-scope includes internal vessel inspections and upgrades, replacement of flare-tips and general mechanical, instrument, control system and electrical activities that cannot be performed while the facility is online.

Production from the Chirag, Deepwater Gunashli, West Chirag and Shah Deniz, as well as export operations via BTC, SCP and WREP continue as normal. The Sangachal Terminal continues to operate enabling loadings at Ceyhan to continue in accordance with the lifting schedule.