bp today opened a new laboratory at the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzUAC), marking another milestone in its ongoing support for education, research and innovation in Azerbaijan.
The strategic building and facilities monitoring and observation laboratory has been established within AzUAC's Earthquake Engineering Research Center. It is the first facility in Azerbaijan dedicated to the continuous seismic monitoring of buildings and structures, helping strengthen the country's capabilities in structural monitoring, seismic engineering and building safety.
Equipped with advanced monitoring systems, specialized software and modern engineering equipment, the laboratory enables continuous, real-time monitoring of strategically important buildings and structures. This allows specialists to assess structural performance, identify potential issues at an early stage and take timely preventive measures.
The facility is also equipped with a mobile structural seismic monitoring system, enabling on-site assessments of other buildings and structures using non-destructive testing methods.
In addition to its monitoring functions, the laboratory will serve as a platform for teaching, training and applied research, helping bridge academic knowledge and practical engineering applications while contributing to the development of highly skilled local specialists.
bp's contribution to the establishment of the laboratory is 400,000 AZN ($235,300), and it covers the provision of specialized software, monitoring systems and technical equipment required for its operation.
Notes to editors
bp has been present in Azerbaijan for 34 years safely, efficiently and reliably operating major oil and gas exploration, development and transportation projects. To date, together with its co-venturers, bp has invested more than $89 billion into projects it operates in the country. In Azerbaijan, we are committed to supporting sustainability efforts focusing on the areas where we believe we can make the most difference.
bp’s extensive social investment activities and capacity-building efforts in the country have had a positive impact and brought tangible benefits to people, improving their lives and making a difference.
The company’s and its co-venturers’ social investments cover such areas as building local capabilities, education, development of communities, local enterprises, the environment, sporting potential as well as research into and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Overall, since the start, bp itself and together with its co-venturers in the joint ventures that bp operates in Azerbaijan, has spent more than $115 million on social investment projects in this country.
In Azerbaijan, bp directly employs around 2,363 Azerbaijani citizens who make over 90 per cent of the company’s professional staff.
Tamam Bayatly at bp’s press office in Baku.
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