Gazprom Group Began Oil Production at Block 6A of the Achimov Formations of the Urengoy Field
The first commercial oil inflow was ensured by four wells and two mobile oil treatment units. In the future, for the full-scale development of block 6A, more than 40 wells will be drilled and the existing field infrastructure will be utilised.
The Achimov oil formations of the Urengoy field are located at a depth of about 3,400–3,700 metres. They are characterised by an extremely complex geological structure, heterogeneity of rocks, low permeability, high temperature, and abnormally high reservoir pressure.
The development of block 6A is being carried out by Gazprom Neft under a long-term risk operator agreement with the subsoil user — Gazprom Dobycha Urengoy (the companies are part of the Gazprom Group).
For cost-effective oil production from the complex Achimov formations, high-tech solutions have been applied. In particular, a three-dimensional subsurface model has been created, which helps in the construction of long horizontal wells, and multistage hydraulic fracturing is being carried out.
Vladimir Krupenikov, Chief Executive Officer of Gazpromneft-Zapolyarye:
“The Achimov formation of Western Siberia contains enormous reserves of oil and gas. At one time, the production of such resources was considered a challenge for the entire oil and gas industry. Today, we are successfully developing Achimov hydrocarbons in various geological conditions. The production of the first Achimov oil at the Urengoy field has become the result of the development of digital modelling tools and the drilling of high-tech wells. The experience we have gained will be extended to other blocks and will help in the production of complex hydrocarbons throughout Western Siberia.”
The Urengoy oil, gas and condensate field is one of the largest in the world in terms of initial gas reserves. It is located in the traditional gas-producing Nadym-Pur-Taz region of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Gas production at the field began in 1978.
Gazprom began developing the Achimov formations of the field in 2008. Blocks 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A are involved in gas and gas condensate production. The operator of the development of block 3A is Gazprom Neft.
