OREANDA-NEWS. On 06 May 2008 was announced, that OAO “Gazprom” delegation under the head of Deputy Chairman Alexander Ananenkov visited Sevmash.

The program of visit included inspection of Hull prefabrication-welding and slip way shops, offshore ice-resistant fixed platform “Prirazlomnaya”, discussion regarding platform building.

“Judging by dimensions and mass “Prirazlomnaya” has no analogs in Russia, – noticed Ananenkov. – It is almost oil producing field, which has drilling objects, objects of oil exploration and storing as well as raw materials discharge in tankers. Using this object at Prirazlomnoye allows great development or Russia shelf”. Platform uniqueness resulted in many difficulties at designing and building. Enlarged meeting was devoted to solution of actual problems. It was held at Sevmash with participation of ООО “Sevmorneftegaz” (platform customer), ZAO “Morneftegazproekt” (general designer) representatives and some organizations taking part in project realization. Parties have agreed to develop activities on speeding-up platform building.

Sevmash Director General Nikolay Kalistratov mentioned that another important question is attracting and stimulating personnel. “I am going to do my best to increase salary of qualified workers and I hope that “Gazprom” as general investor of this project is going to help us”.

Among problem issues Alexander Ananenkov noticed that in Russia there are no manufactures for drilling platform equipment. If “Prirazlomnaya” caisson was completely built at Sevmash, upper structures completing is being carried out thanks to foreign supplies. According to Ananenkov, in order to develop Arctic shelf deposits one shall activate work with native manufactures and equip platforms with Russian equipment.