Okhotsk Sea News

On June 30, 2016 a new icebreaking supply vessel (IBSV) was launched for Sovcomflot as part of a long-term agreement with Sakhalin Energy. Due to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2016, this reinforced ice class vessel has deadweight of 3,000 metric tons and an Azipod propulsion system with a power rating of 13 MW. The icebreaker is the first of four vessels that Sovcomflot has on order from United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) for operations at the Sakhalin-2 project. The vessels are being constructed by USC-affiliated shipyards Vyborg Shipyard and Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Oy. The construction of all four vessels began in 2015.

Arctech Helsinki Shipyards Oy (part of United Shipbuilding Corporation) held a keel laying ceremony last week (17 December) for a new icebreaking platform supply vessel ordered by PAO Sovcomflot under a long-term agreement with Sakhalin Energy. Originally signed in April 2014 following an international tender held by Sakhalin Energy, the agreement provides for the operation of one multifunctional icebreaking platform supply vessel (ice class Ice-15) and three ice class platform supply vessels for 20 years under the Sakhalin-2 Project.

Under increasing pressure from competitors & the authorities, the Russian gas major is stepping up exploration & drilling in Arctic waters. A total of four wells were drilled and 3000 square km of 3D seismic mapping was conducted in the years 2011-2012 resulting in an increase in offshore reserves with more than 200 million tons of oil equivalents. The exploration was conducted in the waters surrounding the Yamal Peninsula, the Tazov Bay, as well as in the west Kamchatka and Sakhalin parts of the Okhotsk Sea, the 'Barents Observer' reports, citing a Gazprom press release.

Led by Alexander Ananenkov, Deputy Chairman of Gazprom Management Committee, the company’s delegation continues its business trip to Saint Petersburg. The delegation is composed of Oleg Aksyutin, Member of the Management Committee – Head of the Gas Transportation, Underground Storage and Utilization Department, Yaroslav Golko, Member of the Management Committee – Head of the Investment and Construction Department, Vasily Podyuk, Member of the Management Committee – Head of the Gas, Gas Condensate and Oil Production Department, as well as heads and specialists from Gazprom specialized subdivisions and subsidiary companies – Gazprom VNIIGAZ…

Subsequent to evaluation by ExxonMobil, operator of the Sakhalin-1 project in Russia, Kvaerner Masa-Yards Inc., Finland, and Far-Eastern Shipping Company PLC (FESCO), Russia, have signed contracts for the design and construction of two icebreaking stand-by and supply vessels for the Sakhalin-1 project. The contracts are still subject to approval by the Central Bank of Russia and to issues related to post-delivery financing. With the contract for the second ship to be confirmed by early November 2003…

On September 5 Kvaerner Masa-Yards Inc. and to issues related to post-delivery financing. be confirmed by early November 2003. Kvaerner Masa-Yards Inc. subjects have been lifted for one vessel. FESCO did not confirm the second vessel contract at this stage. Russia. of 4.000 dwt. azimuthing electric propulsion. EUR 65 million.