The oil and gas industry today acts as one of the most important economic sectors in Russia. Its development ensures the satisfaction of increasing energy requirements. Particularly acute at the moment is the problem of stock growth in the Far East. This region is significantly removed from the main production areas. In 2008, work began on one of the sections of the shelf located on about. Sakhalin. During them, a relatively small pool was opened. Let us further consider its features.
Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field of Gazprom
As part of the preparatory work, several 2D seismic surveys were performed. They allowed the preparation of two large structures that are associated with raised blocks from the Mesozoic deployed basement. The Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field was included first in prospecting works on the licensed territory. This was due to the fact that during the seismic survey in this area, a zone of a significant change in the dynamic characteristics of the roof reflections of the prospective main Dagin suite was found. Its sandstone strata contain deposits that include the neighboring Kirinskoye gas condensate field. Immediately before the start of exploratory drilling, 3D seismic exploration was performed over the entire area of the site.
First project
The Kirinskoye field was discovered in 1992. In the fall of 2013, this section of the shelf was not commissioned. On October 23-26, a visit was planned for Miller and Markelov to formally launch and draw up a report to the president on successfully completed work. Commissioning was planned for the 2nd quarter of 2014.
Territory Description
The Kirinsky deposit is located 28 km from the coastline in the sea. The depth is 91 m. Initially, the basin’s reserves amounted to 75.4 billion m 3 of gas of category ABC1 + C2, and also 8.6 million tons of gas condensate were discovered here . After spent in the 2009-2010's. exploration activities, the reserves of the territory increased to 137 billion m 3 in category C1. The recoverable condensate deposits amounted to 15.9 million tons.
Research project
Submarine mining complexes, whose mass is about 400 tons, were planned to be installed on the seabed. Each of them should combine two to four production wells. The use of these complexes is considered an innovation. It was planned to be used in the development of the territory for the first time in the country.
Production specifics
Gas with condensate and water will be directed to the technological complex built on the shore. It is being built in the Nogliki District, 16 km from the coastline. Further, through the gas pipeline, raw materials will go to the main compressor station. It is located in the Botasino area. From there, the gas will go to the main system, and the condensate will go to the existing oil pipeline. The management company and the Government determined the deadline for the implementation of the feedstock delivery plan - August 2012. Gazprom Dobycha Shelf LLC was appointed as the project operator.
Project implementation
After the disaster that occurred in the power system of Japan, the Russian Government instructed to accelerate the commissioning of the pool. As a result, Gazprom, which earlier refused to attract foreign investors, will probably have to turn to foreign partners. In the early fall of 2012, it became known that the schedule was lagging behind in the construction of infrastructure. In this regard, the beginning of the extraction of raw materials was postponed to the 2nd quarter of 2013. After some time, it was announced that a new Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field was discovered within the study area. The reserves identified in it were not yet put on the balance sheet of the management company. Among other things, 464 million tons of oil were discovered at the site. The management company promised that the raw materials will be used to load the 3rd stage of the plant on the island. Its introduction was planned for 2021. It was assumed that the construction of the line for 5 million tons would be carried out.
Identification
The South Kirinskoye field in the Sea of Okhotsk was discovered after 3D seismic surveys. Its deposits are identified in the sandy layers of the roof of the Dagin sequence. The seismic area covers the southeastern section of the field. It continues to the northwest and west. For a gas-saturated interval, the maximum effective thickness can reach 160 m, wedging completely to the arch of the structure to the east. To the south, the field is bounded by a structural trap. The investigated area of the site is broken by small-amplitude numerous tectonic disturbances. However, they do not control the limits of the deposits.
First test
Drilling as part of exploration work fully confirmed the forecast, which was compiled based on the results of seismic surveys. The first drilled well revealed 2 saturated formations located in the upper part. Their total thickness was 155 m. Geophysical measurements during the drilling process and upon its completion made it possible to obtain primary petrophysical information for subsequent geoseismic modeling. After the completion of the first stage of prospecting and exploration work throughout the territory occupied by the Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field, it will be possible to significantly increase the resource base for the subsequent development of raw material production in the Far East.
Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field: sanctions
U.S. authorities imposed point restrictions on a number of domestic companies. The American government and Gazprom did not bypass. In relation to the domestic monopolist, various restrictions were introduced. In particular, the US government banned the supply of any products of its own production to the South Kirinskoye field. The restriction applies not only to the supply, but also to the movement of American equipment within the territory. This means that equipment already purchased cannot be delivered to the field to continue development. The U.S. government ruled that export, re-export, and the transfer within the state of any equipment subject to export regulation to perform work on the study area of the basin by any person who had not previously agreed with the US monitoring structure would be considered a violation of the bans. The Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field was included in the sanctions list because, as reported in the statements, it contains significant oil reserves. In this regard, all the contractors of the management company related to American equipment had to refuse supplies.
Difficulties
America’s imposition of sanctions significantly complicates geological exploration at the field. The fact is that its development using underwater mining complexes is unique and was based on foreign modern technologies. The US government has found a project that is of particular importance to Gazprom. At the same time, the territory investigated by a domestic company is located in the Asia-Pacific region. Here, Gazprom acts as an uncomfortable competitor for US LNG. According to Nesterov, the United States thus solves its own strategic tasks. The American government is based on the interests of current politics and market conditions.
Features of Prohibitions
Sanctions on the Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field have been effective since August 7, 2015. This date is set in the federal American registry. It should be noted that these sanctions previously applied to the domestic mining company. The first restrictions also concerned the supply of high-tech equipment for the oil and gas complex. Then a list with 30 items was given.
The list, among other things, included
drilling platforms, elements for horizontal wells, subsea, offshore installations designed to operate in arctic conditions, as well as software that was supposed to be used for hydraulic fracturing. In the fall of 2014, the United States expanded its sanctions. In particular, the government banned the issuance of licenses for goods that are regulated by BIS, if they are intended for the supply of five domestic companies. In addition to Gazprom, the number of “banned” included Lukoil, Rosneft, Surgutneftegas, Gazprom Neft. Delivery restrictions also apply to areas where work is ongoing at depths greater than 500 feet (about 152 meters).
The Gazprom leadership, in turn, stated that it itself was refusing equipment from countries that, after the United States, had imposed sanctions against Russia.