Staff members transport food supplies onto a vessel at the Baku Shipyard in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)

by Xinhua writer Liu Shuchen

BAKU, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- "In my 20 years in offshore seismic exploration, I've lost count of how many Spring Festivals I've spent away from home, staying at our posts and fulfillig our duties," said Ye Zhan, the 42-year-old team leader of the seismic crew of BGP Inc., a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

While China is immersed in the festive joy of the Year of the Horse, the BGP seismic crew continues operations in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, collecting crucial seabed data for energy development. Just before the Spring Festival, two seismic vessels spent only a single day at the Baku Shipyard to complete food resupply and crew rotation before embarking on a new four-week voyage.

"CT SCANS" OF THE SEABED

"Our offshore operations are carried out by a node-laying vessel and a source vessel working in tandem," Ye explained. "The node-laying vessel deploys sensors onto the seabed, while the source vessel triggers seismic waves using high-pressure air guns. It's exactly like performing a 'CT scan' on the geological strata beneath the seabed."

The Caspian Sea holds vast oil and gas reserves. In 2018, BGP Inc. partnered with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) to establish Caspian Geo LLC. Since then, the Chinese offshore exploration team has been providing advanced technology and technical services for energy exploration in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea.

Wang Dalong, technical and resource manager of the joint venture, told Xinhua that 35 Chinese personnel are aboard the two vessels, including seasoned veterans from the 1970s and fresh recruits born after 2000. The entire team works in two shifts around the clock to ensure the mission runs without interruption.

"To obtain clear and accurate geological imaging, there is no room for error in any step of the process -- from triggering seismic waves and receiving signals to ensuring data quality," Wang said.

NAVIGATING CASPIAN WINDS

Teymur Afandiyev, a local worker with the Chinese offshore exploration team, told Xinhua that the harsh weather conditions of the Caspian are among the toughest challenges they face in their work.

"In a winter-spring season like this, the winds are frequent and strong. They cause the vessels to drift. Below the surface, treacherous bottom currents can shift our equipment on the seabed," said Afandiyev. "However, relying on their vast experience, the Chinese experts have successfully overcome these challenges, ensuring the precision of the seismic data."

Having worked with the Chinese offshore exploration team since 2023, Afandiyev has risen from an intern to a navigator capable of handling operations independently, thanks to the mentorship of his Chinese colleagues.

The team operates under strict safety protocols, with offshore operations suspended whenever the wave height exceeds three meters. Faced with such conditions, the crew must contend with strong winds and rough seas, ensuring safe operations while keeping the project on schedule.

"My Chinese colleagues are meticulous about their work," said Afandiyev. "I've learned so much from their professional attitude, and there is also a strong sense of unity -- everyone supports one another and is always ready to lend a hand."

HOME IS WHERE THE SHIP IS

Despite being far from home at sea, a sense of home can be felt everywhere. To celebrate the Spring Festival, the Chinese staff have adorned their cabins with traditional "Fu" (good fortune) characters and red couplets, creating a festive atmosphere.

"Personnel from China and Azerbaijan have different cultural traditions and lifestyles, but on the same vessel, we respect and support one another," said Wang. "This friendship is especially precious at sea."

"We aren't just colleagues supporting each other; we truly live as one big family," Afandiyev said. "I know that in China, the Spring Festival is a deeply cherished time. I am so glad to have this opportunity to celebrate on board with my teammates, to enjoy our time together, and to welcome the Chinese New Year as one."

Afandiyev noted that his Chinese colleagues have shared many stories about China's traditions, customs, and diverse cities. Deeply intrigued, he often recounts these stories to his six-year-old son, hoping that one day they will have the chance to visit China together and see those places for themselves.

Khanali Ahmadov, operations manager of Caspian Geo LLC, emphasized the strategic importance of energy collaboration between Azerbaijan and China. He said that China's advanced technologies and services will help Azerbaijan overcome the new challenges in developing the oil industry in the Caspian Sea.

"The Spring Festival is one of China's most significant traditions. I would like to wish our Chinese colleagues who remain on duty at sea, and all Chinese people, good health and a prosperous life," said Ahmadov. ■

Staff members replenish supplies to a vessel at the Baku Shipyard in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)

A Chinese technician (R) instructs an Azerbaijani technician on a source vessel at the Baku Shipyard in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)

This photo taken on Feb. 10, 2026 shows a source vessel at the Baku Shipyard in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)

A Chinese technician (R) instructs an Azerbaijani technician (C) on a node-laying vessel at the Baku Shipyard in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)

A Chinese technician demonstrates offshore operations on a node-laying vessel at the Baku Shipyard in Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)