Sovkomflot’s special designed, ice-classed tanker “Mikhail Ulyanov” last week loaded 70,000 tons of what from now on is branded as ARCO (Arctic Oil). The oil, pumped up from the rig Prirazlomnoye in the Pechora Sea, marks the first shipment of oil ever produced so far north offshore in the Arctic.
ARCO debuting on the world market on Friday and is now on its way to one of the largest European energy companies, Gazpromneft says on its portal without disclosing the customer.
The start of the loading operation from Prirazlomnoye oil platform was linked up to Kremlin where President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Gazpromneft and its staff.
“I congratulate you, all of our partners and everyone who has contributed to the results we see today and have made considerable strides in developing the Arctic shelf. I congratulate all of you and wish you success,” Putin said according to the new-release posted on the President’s portal.
Vladimir Putin continued with saying the oil shipment marks the start of Russia’s ambitious plans for developing oil production in the Arctic and associated shipping industry.
“This means that the overall project will provide an exceptionally positive boost to Russia’s continued expansion on global energy markets, as well as strengthening our economy in general and our energy sector.”
Prirazlomnoye field is located south of Novaya Zemlya, 60 kilometers outside the coast of Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The field is estimated to hold 72 million tons of recoverable oil and production is expected to reach six million tons annually. This year, some 300,000 tons will be shipped out from the waters that are ice-covered for 7-8 months a year.
