Azeri-US company will not drill a well in Turkmenistan

Earlier the company concluded a contract with Dutch company Maersk Oil for drilling of an exploration well on Karadashlik field with semi-submersible drilling rig (SDR) Istiglal.

The SOCAR explained it Trend with an order by BP, a British oil company, for the implementation of exploration work in the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian. BP holds exclusive right for use of Istiglal and Dada Gorgud SDRs, which are under the possession of CDC.

Early 2005 CDC and Maersk Oil agreed upon drilling with Istiglal in the Karadashlik field, which enters "11-12" offshore field. In accordance with the agreement Istiglal was to be involved in drilling a well in Turkmenistan within 90 days. The project depth of the well is 5000 meters.

Experts do not rule out that Turkmenistan might use the services of the Heydar Aliyev SDR, which is under possession of Maersk Constructors. The rig is currently involved in drilling the first exploration well on the Yalama contract area (D-222 bloc) at the order of Russian oil company LUKOIL. The work here is nearing to end.