Offshore staff

MOSCOW -- LUKOIL has started the next phase of development at the Yu Korchagin field in the Caspian Sea. The fixed offshore ice-resistant platform, which is the main production facility to be used for production drilling and hydrocarbon production, is being towed from Astrakhan.

A drilling complex with a load capacity of 560 tons (508 metric tons) for drilling of wells with the maximum borehole length reaching 7,400 m (24,278 ft) has been installed on the platform. The complex will drill 30 wells, including 26 production wells, three water injection wells, and one gas injection well. The platform is also equipped with two cranes with load capacity of 70 tons (64 metric tons). Its length is 95.5 m (313 ft), width is 72.2 m (237 ft), and it weighs 25,655 tons (23,274 metric tons) when it is stationed on the seafloor with liquid ballast. The platform elevation from the sea level is 86.6 m (284 ft).

After the platform has been assembled at the target point, it will be connected via a 74.2-m (243 ft) crossover bridge with the fixed ice-resistant platform, which was assembled at the field on May 25, for personnel accommodation. The platform also comprises a helideck and rescue equipment. The living quarters can accommodate 105 people. The platform is 41.5 m (136 ft) long and 40.2 m (132 ft) wide. It is raised 38 m (125 ft) above sea level. The duration of a self-sustaining period is 15 days.

The company is currently performing SBM assembly operations 58 km (36 mi) from the platform. The SBM will be connected to the platform via a subsea pipeline, which is laid on the seafloor and ready to be connected to the facilities. After the SBM is assembled, a floating storage unit with a dead weight of 28,000 tons (25,401 metric tons) will be moored to it by means of special devices.

The field is expected to be commissioned in December. The 3P field reserves are estimated at 570 MMboe, with a maximum production rate of oil and gas condensate at 2.3 million tons per annum and 1.2 bcm of gas per annum.

07/29/2009