Sakhalin-1 oil production starts flowing

Offshore staff

IRVING, Texas -- Production of crude oil started today from Sakhalin-1 offshore eastern Russia, according to Exxon Mobil Corp.

First oil for Sakhalin-1 began flowing into the export system on August 29, and the initial tanker is expected to load at the new DeKastri terminal this month.

Oil production is expected to peak at 250,000 b/d by the end of 2006. In addition to the terminal, the export project includes a 24-inch, 140-mile pipeline and a tanker loading facility designed for year-round crude oil transport.

9/7/06