Neft Daslari: The World’s Oldest Offshore Oil Platform

November 8, 2024

Neft Daslari, also known as Oil Rocks, is the world’s oldest offshore oil platform. Located about 100 kilometers from Baku, Azerbaijan, it has been a focal point of intrigue for decades. As the COP29 climate conference approaches, discussions around its environmental impact and future are becoming increasingly relevant.

Historical Background

Constructed in the late 1940s during the Soviet era, Neft Daslari began as a simple drilling rig. Over time, it evolved into a sprawling network of oil wells and production sites. The platform features over 100 miles of bridges connecting various structures. At its height, it housed more than 5,000 workers.

Current Workforce and Operations

Today, the workforce at Neft Daslari has dwindled to fewer than 3,000 employees. These workers operate on a 15-day rotation, managing the platform in an environment increasingly affected by the sea. Oil production has declined, now averaging under 3,000 tonnes per day.

Environmental Concerns

Neft Daslari has faced serious environmental issues. Pollution and oil spills in the Caspian Sea have raised alarms. Mirvari Gahramanli, head of the Oil-Workers Rights Protection Organisation, has brought into light issues such as untreated wastewater and oil discharge. The state-run oil company, SOCAR, has promised to address these problems and take administrative action against polluters.

Impact on Azerbaijan’s Oil Industry

As production declines, Neft Daslari’s role in Azerbaijan’s oil industry is diminishing. Once a powerhouse, it now represents a fraction of the country’s oil output. The platform’s significance is fading, prompting discussions about its future.

Experts suggest that Neft Daslari could transition from an oil production site to a tourist attraction or museum. This would honour its historical importance in offshore oil exploration. Filmmaker Marc Wolfensberger believes the platform holds potential beyond oil.

Neft Daslari as a Symbol

With COP29 approaching, Neft Daslari serves as a powerful symbol of the fossil fuel industry’s environmental costs. Its ongoing decline raises questions about the future of offshore oil and the need for sustainable practices.

Environmental advocates remain concerned about the long-term effects of operations at Neft Daslari. The platform’s legacy is intertwined with both the history of oil exploration and the urgent need for environmental protection. The future of Neft Daslari may depend on how effectively these concerns are addressed.

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