Uzbekistan, Tashkent, 7 July/ corr. Trend T.Zhukov / Uzgeoburneftegaz Joint Stock Company (JSC) began the second stage to develop prospective areas in the south, as well as, in the northwest of the country. The company told Trend that work was being done in Koratepa, Khonabad, Western Beshkent fields located in Kashkadarinski region, in Obshikhon, Bokhati, Gadjak fields located in Surkhandarinski region, in Muynak, Suvsar at Ustyurt plateau and at the shelf of the Aral Sea.
According to Uzneftegazdobicha JSC, a contract was signed with China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation (CPTDC), a Chinese company, on delivery of 23 drilling rigs and special techniques in the amount of $203mln in spring of 2008 within the framework of the project.
Another contract was signed with China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH) to deliver 10 cementing units in the amount of $6.1mln at the beginning of 2008. Contracts with Chinese companies are financed through the loan of the Chinese Eximbank in the amount of $177.6mln, as well as, own funds of Uzbekneftegaz National Holding Company (NHC) in the amount of $31.5mln.
Uzbekneftegaz will also purchase equipment for seismic operations at the lump cost of about $65mln within the framework of this project. The Uzbek oil and gas holding intends to purchase 10 digital telemetry earthquake detection stations for seismic operations at the shelf of the Aral Sea. The purchase will be financed through own capital of Uzbekneftegaz NHC.
"Use of new drilling rigs of joint Russian and Chinese production in geological survey enabled to complete the construction of 13 exploration wells instead of 11 in line with the prospective plan at the first quarter of 2008, and to begin the development work at 5 most prospective areas from 18 recommended by the scientific and research institute in 2008," Zavki Safarov, chief geologist of Uzgeoburneftegaz JSC, said.
It is planned to implement deep-well drilling at 100 prospective areas of all oil and gas regions of the country by 2012. Currently, by-stage renewal of drilling equipment fleet, special technique for drilling and testing of wells, as well as, instruments, techniques and equipment for geophysical and laboratory research are being realized to implement this task.
The correspondent can be contacted at: [email protected]