OREANDA-NEWS. April 27, 2012. Rosneft and Eni signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to jointly explore fields in Russian sections of the Black and Barents Seas and exchange technology and staff. The agreement also envisages Rosneft’s participation in Eni’s international projects, reported the press-centre of Rosneft.

The agreement, signed by Rosneft President Eduard Khudainatov and Eni CEO Paolo Scaroni, envisages cooperation between the parties to set up a joint venture to explore the Fedynsky and Central Barents fields in the Barents Sea and the Western Chernomorsky field in the Black Sea. Eni will hold 33.33% in the joint project. The agreement stipulates that Eni will finance comprehensive geological exploration work to confirm the commercial value of the fields.

The deposits are estimated to hold total recoverable resources of 36 billion barrels of oil equivalent. The Barents Sea fields are very promising due to their proximity to an offshore area in Norway in which at least three large fields have been discovered in recent years. Seismic data and the recent discovery of hydrocarbons in the Romanian section of the Black Sea mean it is highly likely that oil and gas will be found at the Western Chernomorsky field.

The key factor that prompted the companies to sign the agreement was the steps taken by the Government of the Russian Federation to introduce tax incentives for offshore production, including cancelling export duties and introducing a reduced Mineral Extraction Tax rate of 5-15% depending on project complexity. The government also offered guarantees that the favourable tax regime will remain in place for a prolonged period of time.

Technology exchange is a key element of the strategic partnership. Eni’s technological contribution to the joint venture is expected to be significant given the company’s extensive offshore experience in Norway and other countries.

In addition, the agreement anticipates a programme of staff exchanges at all levels. This will strengthen relationships between the companies and help share management experience.

The agreement also envisages Rosneft’s participation in Eni’s international projects.

Rosneft President Eduard Khudainatov said: “The comprehensive agreement signed today is further proof that Rosneft is committed to doing business with world-class majors that have offshore production expertise, cutting-edge technologies and are ready to invest in long-term hi-tech projects in Russia. I strongly believe that our partnership will help boost the two companies’ resource base and capitalisation.”

Notes for editors
The Fedynsky block covers an area of 38,000 square kilometres in the ice-free southern part of the Barents Sea. Sea depth at the block varies from 200 to 320 metres. 2D seismic uncovered 9 promising formations holding total recoverable hydrocarbon resources of 18.7 billion barrels of oil equivalent. To comply with license conditions, 6,500 kilometres of 2D seismic must be carried out at the Fedynsky block before 2017 and 1,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic by 2018. First exploration well should be drilled before 2020, and, if successful, second exploration well is to be drilled by 2025.

The Central Barents block adjoins Fedynsky to the north. Sea depth here varies from 160 to 300 metres. Earlier seismic work at the block identified 3 promising formations holding total recoverable hydrocarbon resources of more than 7 billion barrels of oil equivalent. 3,200 kilometres of 2D seismic are to be performed by 2016 and 1,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic by 2018. First exploration well is to be drilled by 2021, and if successful, second exploration well is to be drilled by 2026.

The Western Chernomorsky block in the Black Sea is the third area to be jointly explored. The block covers an area of 8,600 square kilometres at a sea depth ranging from 600 to 2,250 metres. Rosneft has carried out seismic works to study the area in its entirety and identified 6 promising formations holding total recoverable resources of approximately 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Two exploration wells are to be drilled in 2015-2016 in line with license conditions.