Caspian Energy (CE): Mr. Ismayilov, what are the operating results of the company in the Caspian Sea? What operations are currently held within the framework of the Shah Deniz II project?
Zamig Ismayilov, Director, Caspian Marine Services Limited (CMS): This year major operations of the company have been associated with the implementation of the Shah Deniz II project in the Azeri sector of the Caspian Sea. Owing to many years’ experience and high professionalism, we have become the key vessel operator, engaged in the Shah Deniz II project, right from the first days when its implementation started. We acquired all vessels necessary for the project and entered the alliance with the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC on a number of contracts.
We work together with the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company when operating several major types of vessels (pipe-laying vessel, crane ship, dive support vessel) and one multi-purpose vessel. Starting from January 2015 we have commenced scheduled operations within the framework of the Shah Deniz II project, arranged preliminary preparation of all vessels and formed the teams. All the vessels have been sent to the sea by now as an active stage of pipe-laying and diving operations is about to get started.
Pipe-laying operations are being performed by Israfil Huseynov vessel which receives an operational support from our vessels: Jura, Islay as well as CMS Igid, CMS Pahlavan and CMS-3. Lankaran vessel, acquired by the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company last year, has been performing major towing and anchor-handling operations since March of this year. Our company manages Lankaran on basis of the long-term rent agreement. Thus, CMS is in charge of maintenance of the vessel and management of the crew.
CE: Which other projects are underway within the framework of support to Shah Deniz II?
Zamig Ismayilov: The upgrading of the “Azerbaijan” crane ship has been at stage of completion now. It will be used to install jackets and upper structures of the drilling rig within the framework of the Shah Deniz II project.
Modernization of diving vessel “Tofig Ismayilov” has been recently completed. Certain structural changes have been introduced at the vessel. It has new engines, cranes and Azimuth thrusters installed. The vessel is passing technical trials now. The mentioned vessel will be used for supporting pipe-laying and other operations within the framework of the project. There is an ROV on board of the vessel, which is operated remotely by cameras and helps to handle all structural damages. At a later stage the vessel will be engaged in laying fiber-optic cables, which is also a part of this project. In addition to Tofig Ismaylov and Israfil Huseynov vessels, whose task is to lay pipes and cables, the crane ship “Azerbaijan” is also to join in the operations. Its task is to lift large-size cargoes (bearing blocks and other structures). STB-1 barge owned by the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company will also be operated to transport large-size parts of the platform. All these vessels are operated by CMS closely cooperating with partners and contractors in Shah Deniz II project.
CE: What are the perspectives of the company in extending offshore services?
Zamig Ismayilov: I would like to emphasize the role of our project “Gurban Abasov” Floatel. This project has become a kind of our flagship and one of the most profitable projects for CMS at present. Gurban Abasov floatel is currently servicing platforms within the framework of the ACG project and has already managed to receive favorable praise of guests, management and shareholders of AIOC. The guests who visit platforms in the Azeri sector of the Caspian Sea usually prefer to be hosted in our floating hotel rather than on the platforms. It is a kind of recognition of our success. Our clients did enjoy Muslim Magomayev passenger vessel very much. This vessel considerably differs in its technical specifications, passenger transportation quality as well as comfort. In particular, the engine noise can hardly be heard in the passenger spaces. The vessel is able to overcome long distances. For instance, it arrived from Australia under its own steam. From the standpoint of capacity, it is the biggest passenger and high speed vessel that has ever worked on our oil-gas fields. We used to transport maximum up to 120 employees within one trip while now this capacity increased up to 150 people. The difference is not big, though we managed to keep the same speed - 35 knots despite the fact that the vessel is bigger in size compared to the indicators of other similar vessels. The vessel has a dynamic positioning system equipped with a special hydraulic gangway. Now the vessel is being used for transporting passengers to the platforms of ACG fields.
In future we plan to develop and enlarge the range of our services in the Caspian. The contract for the construction of the second vessel similar to Muslim Magomayev vessel has already been signed. Simultaneously we perform operations in other sectors of the Caspian Sea and plan to expand the geography of our activity.
