BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 25. bp, as operator of
the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field development, has
successfully deployed multilateral well technology (MLT), marking
its first application in ACG, Trend reports via the company.


This represents a significant step forward in efforts to
maximize recovery and sustain long-term production from one of the
Caspian’s most mature assets.



The introduction of MLT addresses the technical challenges of
drilling through complex formations in ACG, alongside increasing
constraints on available platform slots. By enabling multiple
reservoir penetrations from a single wellbore, multilateral wells
provide one of the most effective solutions for enhancing reservoir
access, improving drainage efficiency, and maximizing value from
existing infrastructure.


The new technological approach is a cornerstone of bp’s broader
decline management strategy for ACG, supporting long-term
production sustainability while optimizing capital efficiency. As
ACG continues its transition into a more complex and mature phase,
multilateral technology is expected to play a critical role in
unlocking additional reserves and extending the economic life of
the asset. This is the first time we are applying this well design
in ACG, and it clearly demonstrates our commitment to deploying the
right technologies to maximize recovery from our existing assets.
Looking ahead, innovations such as this will be essential to
sustaining long-term production and unlocking additional value. By
increasing reservoir contact, improving rig productivity and
operational efficiency, as well as optimizing slot utilization
while making the best use of existing infrastructure, MLT is a
step-change solution for well delivery in ACG. We believe it
represents one of the most effective ways for us to continue
delivering energy safely, efficiently and responsibly, while
extending the life of this world-class asset.Gio Cristofoli, bp
regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye


The first MLT well – C44 – has already been successfully
delivered from the West Azeri platform, marking a landmark
achievement for ACG as the first multilateral well ever drilled in
the Caspian. It demonstrates both the feasibility and value of this
technology in ACG’s complex reservoir environment.







Delivered with strong safety performance and no incidents, the
first MLT well was completed 30 days ahead of plan, with both
drilling and completion phases significantly outperforming
timelines. This achievement reflects disciplined planning,
high-quality execution and effective management of subsurface
uncertainty. The well also represents a successful integration of
subsurface, drilling and completion disciplines, demonstrating how
coordinated delivery can unlock both technical and commercial
value. Beyond its immediate performance, the first MLT well
establishes a compelling business case for wider deployment of
multilateral technology across the field.Russell Morrice, bp’s vice
president for wells


As part of a strategic technology rollout for ACG, bp plans a
broader campaign to deploy multilateral wells across the field.
This will begin with three MLT wells in 2026, including C44 and
D41, both scheduled to come online in the first half of the year.
The longer-term plan includes a number of further MLT wells across
the ACG asset planned for drilling between 2027 and 2028,
reinforcing the technology’s role as a key enabler of future
production from this mature asset.



Recognizing that no single multilateral solution can address the
full range of reservoir conditions in ACG, the development strategy
focuses on deploying the optimal technology configuration for each
subsurface target, ensuring strong performance across diverse
geological settings. This will involve combining MLT with other
technologies such as horizontal drilling, advanced geo-steering,
and smart completions, including sand control and inflow
management, unlocking significant potential to further enhance
recovery across the field.