Domestic subsea production systems are currently being developed under an order from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade with the support of Gazprom and Russian research institutions. A prototype is expected in 2019 and comprehensive testing in 2020.
Subsea production makes it possible to produce hydrocarbons in severe climatic conditions, even under ice, with no platforms or other above-water facilities required. Currently, Kirinskoye, part of the Sakhalin III project, is the only field on the Russian continental shelf where hydrocarbons are extracted by a subsea production facility. Plans for a second subsea production system in the region are under development.
Russia is also evaluating proposals aimed at reducing the requirement for the import of offshore drilling equipment. Tests are already underway for offshore seismic and electric prospecting equipment prototypes. Domestic producers have already started to manufacture spiral heat exchangers and cold-resistant steel for LNG reservoirs, as commissioned by Gazprom.
A national engineering center and a specialized foundry complex to produce turbine blades for imported industrial gas turbines, is envisaged to eliminate the need for importing spare parts.
