Gazprom Neft subsidiary, Gazpromneft Sakhalin, has acquired a license for the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons at the Ayashsky block, on the continental shelf of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Map of the Ayashsky block, from Gazprom Neft/Yandex Maps. |
The license, awarded by the Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency (Rosnedra), runs until 1 July 2039.
The Ayashsky block is next to the developed fields of the Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 projects in this already proven oil- and gas-bearing region, forms part of the Sakhalin-3 project. Recoverable reserves at this latest Gazprom Neft asset are estimated at more than 100 million tonne of oil equivalent (MMtoe). Some 2150sq m of 3D seismic works having been previously undertaken at the Ayashsky block, Gazprom Neft Sakhalin has now completed analysis of geological and geophysical information allowing decisions to be made on the most promising structures of geological prospecting works.
According to the terms of its license agreement, Gazprom Neft is now making preparations for the drilling of an initial prospecting and appraisal well at the Ayashsky formation, expected to start in summer 2017.
Gazprom Neft CEO Alexander Dyukov said: “Developing new projects on the Russian continental shelf means Gazprom Neft can optimize the experience gained in developing and operating the Prirazlomnoye field in the Pechora Sea, and the Novoportovskoye and Messohakhskoye fields in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Using the most cutting-edge technologies and management systems, our company continues to expand the geographic extent of its activities. Safe and effective development in Russia’s most promising oil regions is an area of strategic focus in Gazprom Neft’s operations.”