The Russian company, Lukoil, has commenced drilling of an exploration well at the Shirotno-Rakushechnaya prospect structure, located near to Grayfer field, according to a press release.

The well is 4.5 meters deep from sea level, and Lukoil intends to drill the well to a target depth of 1,650 meters. The well will be drilled by the jack-up floating rig, Astra, which is designed for shallow waters. 

Furthermore, the company has announced that studies have been carried out on Khazri and Titonskaya features. They are located in a new block in the south of Grayfer field within the East Sulaksky bank.

The company is currently drilling the Khazri well from the jack-up floating rig, Neptune, to the target depth of 5,200 meters. The well is currently 45 meters deep. The well will deliver data on oil and gas content and explore for oil and gas deposits in terrigenous and carbonate sediments of the Jurassic-Cretaceous period.

As part of its drilling campaign for Caspian fields, LUKOIL is constructing the sixth well at riser block platform at the Yury Korchagin field.