Berkut platform becomes operational. Putin takes part via video link

Rosneft and ExxonMobil, within the framework of the Sakhalin-1 consortium, put into operation the Berkut platform at the Arkutun-Dagi field having successfully installed topside at gravity base structure.

On 27 June the platform was put into operation, with Russian President Vladimir Putin watching via a video link. At that time Rosneft President, Chairman of the Management Board Igor Sechin, ExxonMobil Russia President Glenn Waller, and Exxon Neftegas Limited Vice-President Roger Higham were at the platform. Russian President launched the commissioning of the gas and oil producing platform.

“Developing Sakhalin’s natural resources and continental shelf is of huge importance” – Vladimir Putin said, “one could say national importance – for Russia. Projects such as Berkut make it possible to develop rich but hard to access fields, build new facilities, create new jobs and in general build up the socioeconomic capability of the Far East, this region that is so important for our country”.

“I also want to note the positive work that Rosneft is doing with our American partners from ExxonMobil. I know that you have big plans together, including for developing new fields and building liquefied natural gas production facilities”, – added the President of Russia.

In order to install the topside of the platform a unique transportation operation was carried out. The topside traveled more than 2600 km from the delivery point to its offshore destination.

The weight of the topside is 42 thousand tons, and the total weight (top and bottom) exceeds 200 thousand tons. According to Rosneft, this is the world’s largest construction of this kind.

This autumn, as soon as the simulation tests of the drilling systems are finished, drilling of the first exploitation well will be launched.

The beginning of production at the platform is scheduled for the end of this year. The development of the Arkutun-Dagi field will add up to 4.5 million tons of oil to the annual production of Sakhalin-1 project. The Rosneft project will provide for significant investments in the economy of the Far East region.