Prirazlomnaya Rig: Myths and Reality

amount of investment will be required for the entire duration of the project, taking into account operating costs.  The price of the rig will remain the same.

OGE: What will happen to the rig after production comes to an end?

Lyubin: The field’s depletion period is 25 years and the operating life of the reinforced-concrete rig framework is 50 years minimum. We are talking about the structure as a whole. Of course, during this period, we will be repairing and replacing certain parts of the operating equipment. After completing the project we will kill the drilled wells and transport the rig to the shore for disposal.

OGE: What kind of dialogue would you like to establish with environmental organizations?

Lyubin: A constructive one. All calculations that we make – including those that relate to environment – fully comply with Russian law and the regulations of international maritime transportation. If the existing laws don’t suit someone, they can always launch initiatives to change them, presenting their arguments and calculations. I’m convinced this would be a more civilized way to handle this issue instead of spreading the myths about our alleged use of 30-year-old technology and equipment. 

OGE: Are any unique technologies or solutions applied in this project?

Lyubin: I can say that the caisson is a unique piece of equipment. It bears the main load and the reliability of the rig depends on its own reliability. The specially designed caisson part has allowed us to create a facility that successfully resists the Arctic climate, waves and ice, to protect all equipment and to ensure safe operation. At the same time, each offshore platform is unique as they are usually custom-built for specific projects. The Prirazlomnaya rig’s topside is a more conventional structure, but, naturally, it has also been adapted to Arctic conditions.