MOSCOW -- Rosneft Vietnam has started drilling exploration well PLDD-1X at Block 06.1 offshore Vietnam. This is the first time that Rosneft has acted as the operator of a drilling project in international waters.

The well is being drilled by Japan Drilling Company's HAKURYU-5 semisubmersible. Image: Rosneft.

The design depth of the well will be around 1,380 m, while the water depth in the area is about 162 m. The expected recoverable reserves of natural gas in the PLDD geological structure are estimated to be 12.6 Bcm, and 0.6 mt of gas condensate, which can be developed by a subsea completion and tied-back to the existing Lan Tay platform, operated by Rosneft, in Block 6.1.

Following PLDD-1X, the company will drill another exploration well in Block 05.3/11, also in the Nam Con Son basin. Incorporating the two wells into the same program will ensure synergy between the two projects and help reduce the timelines for implementation of the works.

Rosneft Vietnam also plans to shoot broadband 3D seismic of its existing Block 6.1 operatorship later this year to enhance ongoing production recovery and explore the potential of deeper prospects.

"Rosneft has already demonstrated their competence in Russia during the successful drilling of the world's northernmost well in the Kara Sea, which resulted in the discovery of a new deposit, the Pobeda field,” Igor Sechin, chairman of Rosneft’s management board, said. “Today, the company starts a similar project as a drilling operator in international waters. I am sure that the experience gained in Vietnam will be used by the company not only in its activity in the southern seas; these competences will find application in planning and implementation of upstream projects in remote areas.”