Turan Drilling & Engineering Company LLC (A KCA Deutag and SOCAR AQS Company), today announces that it has been awarded its first contract, which is with BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Limited (“BP”).   

The contract has a value of approximately $500 million for the firm period or $700 million including all options, and is for the operations and maintenance of seven platforms drilling rigs operated by BP in the Caspian Sea pursuant to Product Sharing Agreements. These are the East, West and Central Azeri, Deepwater Gunashli, West Chirag, Chirag and Shah Deniz installations. The initial term is for five years with two one year extension options.  

Formed in July 2018, Turan Drilling and Engineering is a joint venture between KCA Deutag and Nobel Oil’s subsidiary – SOCAR AQS.  It is jointly owned by the two companies and combines KCA Deutag’s expertise as a world leading drilling and engineering contractor with SOCAR AQS’s unrivalled knowledge, experience and infrastructure in the Caspian region.   

Mr. Nasib Hasanov, Founder of Nobel Oil Services, SOCAR AQS’s major shareholder, said, Socar AQS has been a leading integrated drilling contractor with proven capabilities and solid infrastructure in the Caspian region. We are very pleased that our Joint Venture, Turan Drilling and Engineering is awarded this contact which is a significant milestone in its development. This contract represents BP’s recognition of our joint venture’s capability and capacity to deliver complex projects with the application of the highest industry standards. Established as a local company, Turan JV is well positioned to provide significant cost efficiencies through combining existing infrastructure, expertise and resources of its parent companies. This contract will also serve to the development of local talent and entire drilling industry and related services in Azerbaijan.  

Commenting on today’s announcement Norrie McKay, CEO of KCA Deutag said, “KCA Deutag has worked in the Caspian for a number of years now, and we are delighted BP has recognised the strength of our new Azerbaijani joint venture with the award of this substantial contract to Turan Drilling & Engineering. 

“The Caspian onshore and offshore drilling and engineering market continues to be highly active, and we believe that our local presence puts us in a strong position to take advantage of other business development opportunities as they arise.”