The Shafag-Asiman structure is approximately 125-130 km southeast of Baku and 145 km from the Sangachal Terminal. This offshore block covers an area of approximately 1,100 km2 and the sea depth is 650 to 800 m.
The uplifts in this area were first discovered in 1961. SOCAR and BP signed a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) in Baku in October 2010 for the joint exploration and development of the Shafag-Asiman offshore block, which the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2011 approved. According to the 30-year agreement, SOCAR and BP each have an equal share of 50%. Two seismic surveys were conducted in the contract area to determine the characteristics of the geological structure and potential reservoirs:
1. 2D seismic surveys in relatively deep waters and surrounding areas between 1995 and 1999,
2. 3D seismic exploration in 2011-2012.
As a result of the investigation, the area's geological structure was clarified. Interpretation of seismic data was completed in 2015, after which the location of the first well was selected and drilling activities were planned.
On 11 January 2020, drilling of the first exploration well (SAX01) began in the Shafag-Asiman offshore block. The drilling work was conducted by SOCAR's Caspian Drilling Company, which used the Heydar Aliyev semi-submersible rig. The main purpose of drilling the well is to assess the gas resource in the Girmaki Ustu Gumlu (Upper-Kirmaki Sand), Fasila and Balakhany formations. The well drilling was completed in March 2021 at a depth of 7,189 m. Gas-condensate reserves were discovered in the formation where the well is located. Now the data obtained in the drilling period is being analyzed. All main services (drilling, construction-installation, etc.) were provided by Azerbaijani companies, mostly by the SOCAR enterprises.