Vice Minister of Energy tours production facilities at Kashagan

A delegation led by Vice Minister of Energy Yerlan Akbarov visited NCOC's production facilities at Kashagan during a working trip to the Atyrau region. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

Ministry representatives conducted an aerial survey of the Caspian Sea area and visited the artificial island "D".

About artificial island "D"

"Originally intended for drilling operations, this facility currently serves as an operational and technological complex and unites the auxiliary islands EPC2, EPC3 and EPC4. During the construction of the facility, approximately 3.5 million tonnes of rock were used," the statement said.

At the offshore complex, the high-pressure produced fluid is separated into oil and gas. Part of the raw gas is reinjected into the reservoir to maintain reservoir pressure. The remaining gas volume and oil are transported via the pipeline system to the onshore "Bolashak" integrated oil and gas treatment facility for further preparation for export.

Statement by the Vice Minister

"Kashagan is one of the most complex offshore projects in the world. The main requirements for the operator are trouble-free operation of equipment, the safety of specialists and strict compliance with environmental standards in the Caspian. This is especially important in the upcoming winter period," said Yerlan Akbarov.

Infrastructure and social facilities

During the trip, the readiness of the island's protective hydraulic structures and the fleet of standby icebreakers designed to operate in the ice conditions of the Northern Caspian was assessed.

In addition, the Vice Minister reviewed the social and living conditions in the "Shapagat" and "Karlygash" residential complexes. He noted that the share of Kazakh specialists in the operational activities of the project exceeds 90 percent.

As part of the trip, NCOC provided the Ministry of Energy delegation with information on the current progress of work at the "Bolashak" integrated oil and gas treatment facility and reported on the results of its production activities to date.