Gazprom Neft starts exploratory drilling on Ayashsky block

Gazprom Neft PJSC reported the start of exploratory drilling on the Ayashsky block in the Sea of Okhotsk by Japan Drilling Co. Ltd.’s Hakuryu-5 semisubmersible drilling rig (OGJ Online, Feb. 23, 2017).

Drilling, core sampling, geophysical investigations, and testing at target intervals are to be completed by Gazpromneft-Sakhalin during this year’s ice-free season. Results will lead to development of preparations for test drilling during next year’s ice-free season.

The company said all waste drilling mud, sludge, and cuttings will be shipped onshore for recycling.

The Ayashsky block is part of the Sakhalin III project and is next to developed fields of the Sakhalin I and Sakhalin II projects.