Developed under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, the oil strategy of Azerbaijan led to reforms in oil industry, while a strong infrastructure was created, state-of-the-art technology and management experience were brought to the oil industry. The oil fleet, as well as the offshore oil industry infrastructure in general were renewed.

The “Khazardenizneft” semi-submersible drilling rig was improved and was renamed to “Dede Korkut”. Fully renovated and equipped with modern technology, the “Shelf-5” drilling rig became one of the world’s largest floating drilling installations and was renamed to “Istiglal” and put into operation in September 1998. The newly constructed modern multifunctional “Gurtulush” and semi-submersible “Leader” (named after Heydar Aliyev) drilling rigs are able to drill in deeper portions of the sea.

“90 Instants of the Great leader”, Heydar Aliyev Heritage research center, “Sharq-Qarb”, Baku-2013, p.128