Caspian Energy (CE): Mr.Iskenderov, which measures are being introduced to stabilize oil production?
Dashgin Iskenderov, General Director, SOCAR Azneft PU: Owing to its grandiose achievements in different directions, Azerbaijan has become one of the rapidly developing countries of the world. The basis of the country’s economic achievements was laid by national leader Heydar Aliyev and is closely linked to the continuation of the oil strategy implemented under the leadership of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. The main goal of the oil strategy has always been providing rational use of oil and gas potential of the country for the population’s welfare. One of the tasks facing Azneft PU is the successful implementation of the state plans and tasks which imply stabilization and further increase in oil and gas production. The action plan of Azneft PU on stabilization of country’s oil and gas production has been prepared and approved as a result.
In order to prevent decline in oil and gas production rates and achieve the ultimate stabilization of oil and gas extraction, Azneft PU continues performing purposeful and balanced geological, technical and organizational measures at the working and idle funds of the wells, based on scientific and technical innovations and responding to modern standards.
The action plan for rationalization of output envisages geological and technical works, installation of screw pumps, expansion of perspective drilling sections of oil and gas wells, repair of hydrotechnical facilities, construction of platforms as well as expanding the drilling area from existing platforms.
In line with the plan, in 2013-2015 it is scheduled to drill 259 wells with the production of 582,499 tonnes of oil and condensate, resume operation of 234 idle wells and provide additional production of 85,230 tonnes of oil, apply 121 screw pumps, use 105 paraffin cleaning facilities, construct 18 new areas and platforms, repair of 28 hydrotechnical facilities, apply 91 filters, build gas lifting and transport compressor stations in Guneshli field, as well as erect of a gas compressor station on Neft Dashlary field.
CE: What are the real opportunities to raise production in the country?
Dashgin Iskenderov: Special importance in raising the effectiveness of fields development and oil and gas extraction is attached to drilling operational wells and geological and technical actions. Obtaining geological and geophysical information by means of modern software is among priority directions. Computer modeling of sites and their testing bring positive results along with the use of new filters, modern pumps, applied in production and new technologies against paraffin deposits.
Along with it special attention is paid to construction of new platforms for raising production in the Guneshli field which occupies a special place in country’s oil and gas sector. Large-scale construction and installation works are also performed in Neft Dashlary, Bula Deniz, Bahar and West Absheron fields. The perspective structure Goshadash is also attractive in terms of oil and gas deposits. The projects implemented are certainly to play an important role in raising oil and gas production.
CE: Was it possible to raise the volume of oil and gas production?
Dashgin Iskenderov: In 2014, like in previous years, Azneft PU used its capacities to the maximum and fulfilled the assigned tasks on production and custody transfer of oil, gas and condensate. In addition, production within Azneft PU topped the planned indicators. In 2014 Azneft produced 6,872 tonnes of oil instead of planned 6,810 tonnes, thus exceeding the plan by 100.1%.
The plan of oil custody transfer within the production union was also overfulfilled with 6,809 tonnes handed over instead of the planned 6,777 tonnes. The plan was fulfilled by 100.5%.
The plan on gas extraction by the production union in 2014 was executed by 104.2% with 6,399,273 cubic meters handed over in the place of the planned 6,140,000 cubic meters of gas.
In 2014 the production unit repaired and commissioned 94 wells from the idle well stock in the place of the planned 77, and as a result 37,404 tonnes of oil were produced instead of 27,243 tonnes.
Over 700 geological actions were applied in 2014 and as a result they allowed producing 330,000 tonnes of oil and 60,000 tonnes of it is above the plan. In the same year, more than 4,600 technical actions were applied in the place of 3,400 technical actions, resulting in production of 62,000 tonnes of oil. In general, the year of 2014 was marked by great achievements and all tasks assigned to Azneft PU were fully executed.
CE: What is done to improve the oilmen’s social conditions?
Dashgin Iskenderov: The program of social development for 2011-2015 was developed in order to raise the social welfare of the employees of the structures of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR). It was approved by the joint order of SOCAR and the Republic Committee of Trade Unions of the employees of oil and gas industry. A greater part of this document is devoted to enterprises of Azneft PU. Thus, important measures were introduced over the past period to improve the social and living conditions of oilmen, constructive works were held at all facilities where the Azerbaijani oilmen work. Thus, the objects which have been in operation for a long time underwent major repair, favorable conditions meeting international standards were created for oilmen.
In addition, oilmen’s leisure time has been also the focal point, special importance is attached to entertaining and solemn summer holiday. As a result, owing to the special attention and care of the SOCAR administration, the social problems of employees were solved in time, their complaints and appeals were considered promptly, assistance was provided for the positive solution of all emerging issues. The settlement of social tasks, growing state care of oilmen created a foundation for the economic growth in the country and the timely execution of assigned tasks for production of oil and gas. Undoubtedly, all these achievements have become possible owing to the successful policy of the country’s leadership and priority attention paid to human factor.
CE: What are the tasks of Azneft PU in the area of dynamic development of the oil and gas sector?
Dashgin Iskenderov: In order to ensure competitiveness and organize a more rational and effective fulfillment of production processes, we continue the practical work on raising effectiveness, productivity of labor and cost optimization. While preparing this project we continue using the services of specialized and influential auditor and consulting companies.
I consider that our young workers to be the main aspect in development of the production union. Over the past years SOCAR has been implementing large-scale projects in training of young specialists. Major works have been held for formulation of modern requirements to existing positions and developing new standards in line with the international experience. Staff rejuvenating has become a tendency and is continued. Educational programs, theoretical and practical trainings and a number of other events are carried out for the purpose of raising the labor productivity and forming a competitive reserve base of professional staff on the work places of all structural units. The program of the speedy development of young staff is being implemented among these measures for training the young staff of Azneft PU beginning from November of 2013. Rotation of young specialists inside the union was held within the framework of the program for the exchange of experience and skills. Their knowledge was checked, shortcomings were revealed and new plans were prepared to eliminate them.
