The Bazhenov Technology Centre, a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft, will start development of Bazhenov Formation deposits at Salym-group license blocks in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, according to Neftegaz.

Data interpretation is expected to be completed by the end of 2020, while commercial production of non-conventional oil at the Salym license blocks is expected to start in 2025.

Gazprom Neft has completed 3D-seismic investigations at the Salymsky-3 block, having surveyed more than 300 square km using green seismic technology. The Salymsky-3 and Salymsky-5 blocks are estimated to contain in excess of 500 million tonnes of oil.  

The first exploration and appraisal well was drilled at the block, with preliminary results of rock-specimen tests indicating hydrocarbons present at six intervals throughout the strata. These results confirm the potential for commercial development. 

“Developing the Bazhenov Formation is a task of national importance and scale. These complex deposits are marked by their colossal resource potential, and high-quality oil,” said Alexei Vashkevich Director for Technological Development, Gazprom Neft.