Assessment of the pilot operation phase impact on the efficiency of the Arctic offshore field development from the shore

UDK: 622.276.1/.4.04

DOI: 10.24887/0028-2448-2021-4-80-84

Key words: shelf, Arctic, development from the shore, pilot operation of the field, special tax regime for offshore projects

Authors: A.A. Nikitenko (Rosneft Oil Company, RF, Moscow), I.V. Timoshin (RN-Exploration LLC, RF, Moscow), I.A. Bozieva (RN-Shelf-Arctic LLC, RF, Moscow), Yu.S. Eremin (RN-BashNIPIneft LLC, RF, Ufa), L.T. Fayzullina (RN-BashNIPIneft LLC, RF, Ufa)

The article is devoted to the assessment results of the pilot operation impact on the efficiency of the perspective shelf geological structure development from the shore in arctic climatic conditions on Rosneft Oil Company’s license area. One of the main challenges of the performed study was to determine the technological and economic efficiency of the pilot operation phase as part of field development in comparison with the field development option without pilot operation. The expected effect of the pilot operation phase is the possibility of studies the productive reservoir properties, the results of which will ensure the ашдв вумудщзьуте high efficiency, as well as ensuring early oil production through exploration wells and, as a consequence, accelerating the receipt of the project positive cash flow. The region is characterized by harsh climatic conditions, seasonal restrictions on movement of vehicles, complex geology and relief, as well as the presence of permafrost soils. The main challenge in the performed study was to find a technically feasible and economically viable solution for the perspective structure development, including the construction of infrastructure for the pilot operation of the object. As a result of the study and assessment of various options for the structure development, the main concept of development and construction was adopted, which involves the shelf structure development from the shore using horizontal wells drilled from the onshore well pad, as well as the construction of infrastructure facilities in this zone. Further, options, including with and without the pilot operation phase implementation, were considered for the selected development concept. The comprehensive technical and economic assessment of the project was carried out for the obtained development options. The key factors affecting on the economic efficiency of the pilot operation phase implementation were analyzed in the article, the special role of the special mineral extraction tax regime for the arctic offshore projects is emphasized.