“Caspian” Spring Festival for Chinese oil explorers supporting Azerbaijan’s energy exploration-Xinhua
While much of China celebrated the Lunar New Year, a team of energy professionals continued critical work thousands of miles away in the Caspian Sea. A crew from BGP Inc., a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), has been diligently collecting seabed data essential for energy development in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, even during the Spring Festival.
“CT Scans” of the Seabed
The work involves deploying sensors and triggering seismic waves to create detailed images of geological structures beneath the seabed. Ye Zhan, the 42-year-old team leader, explained the process is akin to performing a “CT scan” on the earth’s layers. This data is crucial for identifying potential oil and gas reserves in the resource-rich Caspian Sea.
A Joint Effort
Caspian Geo LLC currently has 35 Chinese personnel working aboard two vessels, representing a range of experience from veterans dating back to the 1970s to recent graduates born after 2000. The team operates around the clock in two shifts to maintain continuous data collection. Wang Dalong, technical and resource manager, emphasized the need for precision at every stage of the process.
Navigating Caspian Winds
The operation isn’t without its challenges. Teymur Afandiyev, a local worker with the team, highlighted the harsh weather conditions of the Caspian Sea, including strong winds and unpredictable bottom currents, as significant obstacles. Despite these difficulties, the Chinese experts have consistently ensured the accuracy of the seismic data.
Afandiyev, who joined the team in 2023, has progressed from an intern to a fully independent navigator, benefiting from the mentorship of his Chinese colleagues. The team adheres to strict safety protocols, suspending operations when wave heights exceed three metres.
A Sense of Community
Despite being far from home, the Chinese staff have maintained a festive atmosphere by decorating their cabins with traditional Spring Festival symbols. Wang Dalong noted the mutual respect and support between the Chinese and Azerbaijani personnel, describing it as a valuable connection during their time at sea.
Afandiyev echoed this sentiment, stating the team functions as a “big family.” He shared that his Chinese colleagues have shared stories about Chinese culture and cities with him, which he now recounts to his six-year-old son, hoping for a future family trip to China.
Khanali Ahmadov, operations manager of Caspian Geo LLC, underscored the strategic importance of the energy collaboration between Azerbaijan and China, believing that Chinese technology and services will be instrumental in developing the Caspian Sea’s oil industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the seismic data being collected?
The primary purpose is to collect crucial seabed data for energy development in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, specifically to identify potential oil and gas reserves.
How long has BGP Inc. Been involved in this project?
BGP Inc. Partnered with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) in 2018 to establish Caspian Geo LLC, and has been providing technical services since then.
What are some of the challenges faced by the team?
The team faces challenges from harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and bottom currents, which can affect the precision of the seismic data collection. Safety protocols require operations to be suspended when wave heights exceed three metres.
As the team continues its work, it may provide further insights into the energy potential of the Caspian Sea, potentially leading to increased investment and development in the region. The ongoing collaboration between China and Azerbaijan could also serve as a model for future energy partnerships.