Gazprom Neft: Considering Two More Gravity Based Platforms to Develop the Dolginskoye Field

Representatives of the oil subsidiary of Russian gas giant Gazprom, meeting with Nenets governor Igor Fyodorov last week, confirmed construction of the facilities is in the pipeline for the proposed field development, the Barents Observer reported, citing a Russian-language release from the regional administration.

The newbuilds are likely to be similar to the ice-reinforced Prirazlomnaya platform that state-run operator Gazprom Neft hopes to start production this month at the Prirazlomnoye field, which would make it Russia’s first Arctic offshore oilfield to be brought on stream.

Start-up of Prirazlomnoye has been delayed by more than a year due to commissioning issues, as well as technical and logistical hurdles, and the platform was recently targeted by Greenpeace activists in an abortive boading attempt as part of a campaign to halt Arctic oil exploitation.

Dolginskoye, due to be brought online by 2020, is estimated to hold oil reserves of about 1.5 billion barrels – almost three times higher than those of Prirazlomnoye – and would be Russia’s second Arctic offshore field development. Annual production is targeted at about 55.3 million barrels.

Norwegian contractor Kvaerner was recently reported as saying it is targeting GBS fabrication contracts off Russia using its local partner Vostco Contractors, with an official estimating Dolginskoye may need two to three such units because of its narrow length.

Meanwhile, exploration drilling is reportedly due to kick off next year at the North Dolginskoye prospect, with the work to be carried out by Romanian contractor GSP using its jack-up rig GSP Jupiter, after which a field development plan will be hammered out.