Seismic studies to start in 2 years for Arctic projects - Rosneft chief
SOCHI. Sept 19 (Interfax) - Seismic studies at the 1, 2 and 3 East Prinovozemelsky fields in the Kara Sea will begin in two years, the chairman of Russian oil company Rosneft, Eduard Khudainatov, told the press.
"Two years will pass, two seasons, before the seismic work starts," he said.
Rosneft is developing the fields with ExxonMobil, in accordance with a deal signed August 30 2011. Planning work is currently being carried out in accordance with this deal, Khudainatov said.
"It is still too early for the Arctic. We have to carry out environmental work," he said.
It is important not to damage the fragile offshore environment and to work very carefully. Environmental studies need to be carried out and approved and this is a long process, he said.
All the organizational work will be completed by the end of 2011, this will include recruitment, staffing, structure and charter establishment, Khudainatov said. After that gravity and magnetic surveys will be carried out and then the fauna and flora will be explored. "We need to prepare," he said.