Oil & Gas
VLM has significant experience advising leading players in the oil and gas industry, including service providers and upstream/downstream operators in Azerbaijan. We have supported clients in navigating the complex regulatory environment and commercial challenges that characterize this strategic sector.
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How we work
Upstream and downstream operators, and the firms that serve them.
Our experience includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of sector-specific agreements, as well as advising on operational, licensing, and compliance matters.
Our projects
Work we have done
First Azerbaijani-flag registration of a non-self-propelled drilling unit
A non-self-propelled drilling unit had never been registered under the Azerbaijani flag. We registered the first one, the “Neptune” drilling rig, enabling Caspian Oilfield Services, a Dubai-based offshore drilling contractor, to start a long-term drilling campaign with Umid Babek Operating Company in the Caspian.Read the caseOil & gasRare onshore Production Sharing Agreement
Most of Azerbaijan’s production sharing agreements cover offshore areas. We acted as Azerbaijani counsel to MOL Group on a rare onshore one: an exploration block in the Shamakhi-Gobustan region, signed with SOCAR in December 2025.Read the caseWhat we do
We believe the following are the services you may rely on us for:
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating onshore oil contracts, including Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), Risk Sharing Agreements, Joint Operating Agreements, and Technical Service Contracts
- Preparation and negotiation of vendor agreements, customer contracts, lease agreements, and other commercial arrangements
- Regulatory compliance advice, including liaison with key governmental authorities
- Legal support in obtaining all necessary licenses and permits for exploration, development, production, and transportation activities in Azerbaijan
- Assistance with environmental and health & safety compliance in line with national regulations and international best practices
- Legal due diligence of oilfield assets and service providers, including risk identification and mitigation strategies
- Structuring and implementation of joint ventures and other collaborative arrangements
- Representation in disputes, including litigation and arbitration involving oil & gas operations
- Support in local content and procurement regulations, tax issues, and employment matters specific to the oil and gas sector
- Ongoing legal support for project implementation, including contract management and risk allocation
News and insight
VLM Times
The amendments, decrees and court decisions that change what a business operating in Azerbaijan has to do next.
Contact
Tell us what you are trying to do in Azerbaijan
Marine Plaza, 3rd floor, Uzeyir Hajibeyli 62, AZ 1010, Baku. A partner replies within one business day.
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