Test production has begun at a pilot project in Vostochno-Messoyakhskoe oil field in the northern part of the Yamal region of Russia.
Messoyakhaneftegaz, a joint venture of Gazprom Neft and TNK-BP, has drilled four exploration and appraisal wells and two clusters of pilot wells, having spent $140 million in 2012. Next year, the joint venture plans to invest $240 million to continue exploration and appraisal activities, drill new pilot production wells, prepare design documents and construction sites, and begin infrastructure development. Gazprom Neft, the project operator, is working with Halliburton to produce a conceptual framework for development of the Messoyakha group of fields.
Gazprom said full-scale development will start when construction is complete of the Zapolyarye-Purpe crude oil pipeline (OGJ Online, Oct. 25, 2011).
“A more accurate assessment of reservoirs and well flow rates will become available in 2014 upon completion of a series of production tests,” Gazprom said.