FX.co ★ Russia launches unique oil rig in Sakhalin

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin held the ceremony of commissioning one of the largest oil rigs in the world. The gas and oil production platform called Berkut went into operation during the high-profile ceremony June 27. President Vladimir Putin gave an order to Rosneft President Igor Sechin to bring into operation the drilling rig in the sea of Okhotsk in the course of the video conference. Russia’s President noted, “I’m aware that the oil rig will start developing Sakhalin’s oilfield in the current year. Rosneft expects Berkut to yield 4.5 million tons annually. A lot of efforts have been put into this project. I hope it will be a success. The project matches up to the strictest environmental requirements. It is a big achievement.” In his speech, Vladimir Putin focused on the environmental safety and pollution prevention. He highlighted that not only production facilities but the state must respect the eco-protection regulations. Indeed, the highest priority was given to environmental issues during the oil rig construction and installation. Igor Sechin pledged that the production start-up on the Arkutun-Dagi field was scheduled in December this year. Besides, a unique transportation operation was carried out to install the platform’s upper part 1,400 nautical miles offshore. The Rosneft official reported that it went without any incidents. As for the project’s design, Berkut is able to withstand waves up to 18 meters high as well as pressure of ice up to two meters thick. The development of the Arkutun-Dagi field will add up to 4.5 million tons of oil to the annual production of the Sakhalin-1 project. Importantly, the project is being implemented involving such investors as U.S. ExxonMobil, India’s ONGC, and Japan’s SODECO.