The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is completing training and development work prior to the inauguration of its first independent drilling campaign in 28 years.

A source known to ABC.az said that a two-month drilling training programme has been completed, preparing for offshore operations in the Caspian Sea.

"Set-up and start-up activities are underway at the platform as well as preparation for drilling jobs. 3.5 km pipes, drilling and other materials were brought to the platform for these ends," said the source.

It is expected that drilling will commence that drilling within the next few months. SOCAR is expected to achieve a depth of 6,500 m.

Since 2000, Schlumberger has supported SOCAR's training and development framework at the Caspian Training Centre, a 1,500 square metre facility offering comprehensive training modules with translation services in English, Azeri and Russian.

The company re-established a presence in the country in 1994, 65 years after the Schlumberger brothers first signed a contract with the USSR allowing for drilling in the Baku and Grozny areas.

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