Gravity-based structure installed at Sakhalin-1 Arkutun-Dagi field
YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK. Sept 25 (Interfax) - Exxon Neftegas Limited, on behalf of the Sakhalin-1 Consortium, has announced the successful installation of the gravity-based structure (GBS) for its new offshore platform to develop the Project's third field, Arkutun-Dagi, offshore North East Sakhalin, Far East Russia.
The platform named Berkut (which means "golden eagle" in Russian) is designed to withstand harsh subarctic conditions with waves up to 18 meters, ice two meters thick, and temperatures minus 44 degrees Celsius, Exxon Neftegas said in a press release.
It will comprise the specially designed concrete GBS and topsides with drilling and production facilities mounted on it. Once mating of the topsides with the GBS is completed in 2013, Berkut will become the largest offshore platform in Russia.
"The successful completion and installation of the GBS highlights a significant milestone to the scheduled 2014 production start-up from Arkutun-Dagi field," said Jim Flood, Exxon Neftegas Limited chairman. "The project's outstanding safety and operational performance is a testament to our skilled offshore installation staff and the successful collaboration developed with local port authorities and our Russian marine transportation contractors."
The Sakhalin 1 project includes three offshore fields: Chayvo, Odoptu, and Arkutun Dagi, northeast of Sakhalin. Potential recoverable reserves amount to 307 mt (2.3 billion barrels) of oil and 485 bcm (17.1 trillion cubic feet) of gas.
The Sakhalin 1 consortium includes operator Exxon (which holds 30%), includes Rosneft (with 20%), India's ONGC Videsh (20%) and Japanese joint venture Sodeco (30%).