Russkoe field

Russkoe field is a giant field of heavy oil that is situated in Tazovskiy District of Yamalo-Nenetskiy Autonomous Area, within the Arctic Circle. Based on preliminary estimates, the initial field reserves are in excess of 1 bn tons according to the Russian estimation methodology. The recoverable 3P reserves amount to 2.25 bbbl according to PRMS methodology.

The field was discovered in 1968. Tyumenneftegaz came to be the subsoil user in 1995 and later became part of TNK-BP.

Russkoe field remains undeveloped for more than 35 years. Its development is complicated by a number of factors associated with high oil viscosity, complex geological section, lack of infrastructure, and anything but simple conditions of development in a polar region. Among other specificities of Russkoe field are an extensive gas cap and an aquiferous horizon.

After the field had been discovered, they drilled 60 wells including 39 exploration, 13 wildcat and 8 development wells. It is planned to drill wells with horizontal end sections. As of today, nine wells are drilled in two pilot areas of the field. Six of those are production wells, one gas well and two water wells.

More than 15 service organizations are engaged to work in the field including such a famous company as Halliburton (USA).

The investment in development is estimated at approximately $4.5bn.

Due to the fact that Russkoe field oil is highly viscous, it is necessary to construct systems for blending oil in pipelines. If there are no such systems, Russkoe oil production will peak at approximately10 mmtpa. If such systems are constructed, oil production may reach up to 20 mmtpa.

It is planned to complete the first stage of the startup complex for oil acceptance and shipment and make research on oil and condensate blending in order to create an oil transportation model in the nearest future. A new oil treatment unit with a throughput capacity of 3 mmtpa is expected to be constructed before the start of commercial development.