OREANDA-NEWS. LUKOIL has begun transporting topsides for the riser block from Astrakhan to the Vladimir Filanovsky field, which is being developed by the Company in the Caspian Sea.

The riser block is designed to connect the interfield and external pipelines to transport oil and gas from the Filanovsky field.

The bearing units of four platforms were assembled in the Caspian Sea in 2013. The topside sections of the central processing platform and the LQ module were transported to the field this year. Transportation of the ice-resistant stationary platform to be used for well drilling and operation is scheduled for October.

The Company intends to assemble the topsides for all four platforms and the catwalk bridges this autumn. The start of production at the V. Filanovsky field is scheduled for some time between the end of 2015 and beginning of 2016.

“The project focused on Vladimir Filanovsky field development is being implemented in strict compliance with the schedule. LUKOIL's Program for Caspian Sea development is a long-term one, and we are quite convinced that it will promote the development of shipbuilding and related industries in southern Russia,” Azat Shamsuarov, LUKOIL's Senior Vice-President for Oil and Gas Production, said.