It took Caspian several weeks to transport the rig 4000km by road from the Chinese manufacturer.

Spudding of the first well is expected to occur mid next month, several weeks later than planned following delays in obtaining customs clearances and minor damage caused to the substructure in transit, according to Caspian.

“Transportation to the wellsite from the company’s yard and commissioning of the rig by the Chinese manufacturers is progressing well,” it said.

Six wells are planned for the Ashvaz and Mailisu III blocks in the initial 11 well program announced by the company earlier in the year.

The adjoining Government operated oil and gas field within the Mailisu III block has already produced over 700,000 barrels of oil and 20 billion cubic feet of gas.