Rosneft is performing the drilling of the northernmost exploratory well on the Eastern Arctic shelf following a comprehensive geological study. During the drilling of the Tsentralno-Olginskaya-1 well from the shore of the Khara-Tumus Peninsula on the shelf of the Khatanga Bay of the Laptev Sea, three core samples were taken from depths of 2305 to 2363 m, which showed high oil saturation dominated with light oily fractions. On the basis of primary studies already, it can be concluded that a new oil field has been discovered, the volume of the resource potential of which is increasing as the drilling continues. Core sampling continues at the moment.
Hydrocarbon saturation of the core samples proves the geological model developed by Rosneft experts. The obtained result of the drilling at the Khatanga licenced area allows Rosneft to be considered a pioneer of deposit discoveries on the Eastern Arctic shelf.
Rosneft was awarded the licence for Khatanga development in November 2015. Gathering and set-up of drilling equipment were carried out in the shortest time possible owing to harsh weather conditions.
Tsentralno-Olginskaya-1 is the first well that will be drilled under the offshore area of the Laptev Sea.
The Khatanga licence area is located in the Khatanga bay, the Laptev Sea in the North of the Krasnoyarsk Region. Area acreage is 17,217.5 km2; sea depth reaches 32 m. (Source: Rosneft – Rosneft settlement in the Khara-Tumuz peninsula / Image: Arctic Times)