Neha BaruahNeft Daslari, also known as Oil Rocks, holds the title of the world’s oldest offshore oil platform. Situated approximately 100 kilometers from Baku, Azerbaijan, it has captured global attention for decades. As the COP29 climate conference draws near, discussions surrounding its environmental impact and future are becoming increasingly urgent.
Origins and Evolution
Built in the late 1940s during the Soviet era, Neft Daslari began as a basic drilling rig. Over time, it expanded into an extensive network of oil wells and production sites. The platform is connected by over 100 miles of bridges linking various structures. At its peak, it supported more than 5,000 workers.
Workforce and Operational Changes
Today, the workforce at Neft Daslari has significantly decreased to under 3,000 employees. These workers follow a 15-day rotation schedule, operating in an environment increasingly affected by the sea. Oil production has dwindled, with current output averaging under 3,000 tonnes per day.
Environmental Challenges
Neft Daslari has been plagued by environmental challenges. Pollution and oil spills in the Caspian Sea have raised concerns, with Mirvari Gahramanli, head of the Oil-Workers Rights Protection Organisation, highlighting issues such as untreated wastewater and oil discharge. In response, the state-run oil company, SOCAR, has pledged to address these issues and take action against polluters.
Declining Role in Azerbaijan’s Oil Industry
As production continues to decline, Neft Daslari’s role in Azerbaijan’s oil industry has diminished. Once a major contributor, it now represents a small fraction of the country’s oil output. This decline has sparked conversations about the platform’s future.
Experts propose that Neft Daslari could transition from an oil production facility to a tourist attraction or museum, preserving its historical significance in offshore oil exploration. Filmmaker Marc Wolfensberger believes the platform has potential beyond its oil legacy.
Neft Daslari as a Symbol
With COP29 on the horizon, Neft Daslari stands as a potent symbol of the environmental costs associated with the fossil fuel industry. Its gradual decline raises important questions about the future of offshore oil and the need for sustainable practices.
Environmental advocates remain deeply concerned about the long-term impact of operations at Neft Daslari. The platform’s legacy is entwined with both the history of oil exploration and the pressing need for environmental protection. The future of Neft Daslari may hinge on how effectively these challenges are addressed.
Neha Baruah
