Rosneft, ExxonMobil to invest over $3 bln in survey, development of shelf projects

MOSCOW, August 30 (Itar-Tass) —— The strategic cooperation agreement Rosneft and ExxonMobil signed on Tuesday implies the investment of about $3.2 billion in geological survey and development of three licensed fields of Rosneft – East Prinovozemelskiy Blocks 1, 2 and 3 in the Kara Sea and the Tuapse License Block in the Black Sea, which are among the most promising and least explored offshore areas globally, with high potential for liquids and gas, says an ExxonMobil press release.

“The agreement also provides Rosneft with an opportunity to gain equity interest in a number of ExxonMobil’s exploration opportunities in North America, including deep-water Gulf of Mexico and tight oil fields in Texas (USA), as well as additional opportunities in other countries. The companies have also agreed to conduct a joint study of developing tight oil resources in Western Siberia,” the press release said.

“The companies will create an Arctic Research and Design Center for Offshore Developments in St. Petersburg, which will be staffed by Rosneft and ExxonMobil employees. The center will use proprietary ExxonMobil and Rosneft technology and will develop new technology to support the joint Arctic projects, including drilling, production and ice-class drilling platforms, as well as other Rosneft projects.

“We have a clear vision for Rosneft’s strategic direction – building world-class expertise in offshore business and enhancing oil recovery,” said Rosneft president Eduard Khudainatov, following the signing ceremony. “The partnership between Rosneft with its unique resource base, and the largest and one of the most highly capitalized companies in the world reflects our commitment to increasing capitalization of our business through application of best-in-class technology, innovative approach to business management, and enhancement of our staff potential. This venture comes as a result of many years of cooperation with ExxonMobil and brings Rosneft into large scale world-class projects, turning the company into a global energy leader.”

“ExxonMobil Development Company President Neil Duffin said: “Today’s agreement with Rosneft builds on our 15-year successful relationship in the Sakhalin-1 project. Our technology, innovation and project execution capabilities will complement Rosneft’s strengths and experience, especially in the area of understanding the future of Russian shelf development.”

“Rex Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), who attended the ceremony, said ExxonMobil will benefit Russian energy development by working closely with Rosneft.

“This large-scale partnership represents a significant strategic step by both companies,” said Tillerson. “This agreement takes our relationship to a new level and will create substantial value for both companies.”

“The agreement provides for constructive dialogue with the Russian Federation government concerning creation of a fiscal regime based on global best practices.

“Additionally Rosneft and ExxonMobil will implement a program of staff exchanges of technical and management employees which will help strengthen the relationships between the companies and provide valuable career development opportunities for personnel of both companies,” the press release said.

ExxonMobil indicated that the East Prinovozemelskiy License Blocks have a total area of 126,000 square kilometers (30 million acres) in water depths ranging between 50 and 150 meters (165 feet and 500 feet). Tuapse Block in the Black Sea has the total area of 11,200 square kilometers (2.8 million acres) and water depths ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,300 feet and 6,500 feet). Rosneft equity interest in both joint ventures will be 66.7 per cent, while ExxonMobil will hold 33.3 per cent.

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