Global challenges and opportunities for Arctic oil and gas projects

Integrated development of hydrocarbon potential is one of the high-priority tasks of the government of Russia policy in the Arctic region. When determining the prospects of oil and gas projects, it may be necessary to envisage ways of responding to large-scale changes in the global energy system, which significantly affect the timing, commercial and budgetary efficiency of project activities in the Arctic. The high level of turbulence creates new challenges for the Russian and global oil and gas complex associated with the strengthening of competition in traditional markets of hydrocarbon resources, the progressive development of technological innovation, and changes in the price environment. The main direction of development of the Arctic oil and gas sector should be quick adaptation to new conditions, reassessment of strategic planning systems of key market players, as well as a targeted state policy in relation to the formation of a favorable investment climate and flexible taxation system in the region. For the purpose of the study, an analysis of the factors of instability of the global energy system and their influence on the efficiency of operation of arctic hydrocarbon fields is conducted. The characteristics of the main directions of government policy in the Arctic zone, stimulating the production of hydrocarbons, are given. The potential limitations and opportunities for the implementation of oil and gas projects resulting from the transformation of the global raw materials market are identified and systematized

Behavioural responses of western gray whales to a 4-D seismic survey off northeastern Sakhalin Island, Russia

A seismic survey was conducted off the northeastern coast of Sakhalin Island, Russia in 2010. The survey area was adjacent to the only known near-shore feeding ground of the Critically Endangered population of western gray whales Eschrichtius robustus in the western Pacific south of the Aleutian Islands. This study examined the effectiveness of efforts to minimize the behavioural responses of the whales to vessel proximity and sound during the survey. Two shore-based behavioural observation teams monitored whale movements and respirations pre-, during and post-seismic survey. Theodolite tracking and focal-animal follow methods were used to collect behavioural data. Mixed linear models were used to examine deviations from 'normal' patterns in 10 movement and 7 respiration response variables in relation to vessel proximity, vessel/ whale relative orientations and 8 received sound metrics to examine if seismic survey sound and/or vessel activity influenced the whales' behaviour. Behavioural state and water depth were the best 'natural' predictors of whale movements and respiration. After considering natural variation, none of the response variables were significantly associated with seismic survey or vessel sounds. A whale's distance from shore and its orientation relative to the closest vessel were found to be significantly influenced by vessel proximity, which suggested some non-sound related disturbance. The lack of evidence that the whales responded to seismic survey sound and vessel traffic by changing either their movement or respiration patterns could indicate that the current mitigation strategy is effective. However, power analyses suggest that our sample sizes were too small to detect subtle to moderate changes in gray whale behaviour

Calibrating and monitoring the western gray whale mitigation zone and estimating acoustic transmission during a 3D seismic survey, Sakhalin Island, Russia

A 3D marine seismic survey of the Odoptu license area off northeastern Sakhalin Island, Russia, was conducted by DalMorNefteGeofizika (DMNG) on behalf of Exxon Neftegas Limited and the Sakhalin-1 consortium during mid-August through early September 2001. The key environmental issue identified in an environmental impact assessment was protection of the critically endangered western gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), which spends the summer–fall open water period feeding off northeast Sakhalin Island in close proximity to the seismic survey area. Seismic mitigation and monitoring guidelines and recommendations were developed and implemented to reduce impacts on the feeding activity of western gray whales. Results of the acoustic monitoring program indicated that the noise monitoring and mitigation program was successful in reducing exposure of feeding western gray whales to seismic noise

A western gray whale mitigation and monitoring program for a 3-D seismic survey, Sakhalin Island, Russia

The introduction of anthropogenic sounds into the marine environment can impact some marine mammals. Impacts can be greatly reduced if appropriate mitigation measures and monitoring are implemented. This paper concerns such measures undertaken by Exxon Neftegas Limited, as operator of the Sakhalin-1 Consortium, during the Odoptu 3-D seismic survey conducted during 17 August’ September 2001. The key environmental issue was protection of the critically endangered western gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), which feeds in summer and fall primarily in the Piltun feeding area off northeast Sakhalin Island. Existing mitigation and monitoring practices for seismic surveys in other jurisdictions were evaluated to identify best practices for reducing impacts on feeding activity by western gray whales. Two buffer zones were established to protect whales from physical injury or undue disturbance during feeding. A 1 km buffer protected all whales from exposure to levels of sound energy potentially capable of producing physical injury. A 4’ km buffer was established to avoid displacing western gray whales from feeding areas. Trained Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) on the seismic ship Nordic Explorer had the authority to shut down the air guns if whales were sighted within these buffers

OPTIMIZATION OF PHARMACOTHERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE FUNCTIONAL CLASS II ON INFLUENCE ON THE REGULATORY AND ADAPTIVE STATUS

The study involved 100 people (50 men and 50 women) aged 32 to 68 years. The first group consisted of 53 patients with chronic heart failure class II and III stage of hypertensive disease (29 men and 24 women, age 52,9±10,7 y. o.), treated with sustained-release metoprolol succinate (betaloc ZOK of «AstraZeneca», Sweden production, of 97,3±9,5 mg/day doze). The second group included 47 patients with chronic heart failure class II and III stage of hypertensive disease (21 men and 26 women, age 57,5±5,7 y. o.), receiving quinapril (accupro of «Pfizer», USA production in 24,7±13,4 mg daily doze. Treadmill activity with measuring of the maximum oxygen consumption on effort, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography and NT-proBNP testing, сardio-respiratory synchronism trial was carried out initially and after six months of therapy. Beta-blocker and angiotensine converting enzyme inhibitor are equally reducing blood pressure, are not identical in influencing the in statedly-adaptive status patients and the latter can be preferred

Strategic Planning of Oil and Gas Companies: The Decarbonization Transition

In the face of increasing climate concerns and the intensive development of the renewable energy sector, oil and gas companies need to develop strategies to not only comply with the new rules of the game, but to also benefit from them. This study includes prospects for development of the global energy system along with analysis of decarbonization strategies for the largest players in the oil and gas market, and defines conceptual directions to improve strategic planning systems of oil and gas companies in order to ensure sustainability in the context of a global energy transition. The theoretical background of this study is based on the fundamental concepts and methods of strategic planning, as well as modern approaches to strategic planning in the oil and gas industry. This study makes three contributions. First, we maintain that a broad, systematic understanding of the consequences of energy system transformation and defining its role in the new market should be the crucial task of players in the oil and gas industry, and we clarify the opportunities and threats of transitioning to decarbonization. Second, the study results contribute to the development of the design theory of strategic planning systems by improving well-known methods and approaches with reference to global energy transformation. Third, we offer proposals for the development of a climate adaptation strategy using the example of a Russian oil and gas company based on the company’s business capabilities

Strategic Planning of Oil and Gas Companies: The Decarbonization Transition

In the face of increasing climate concerns and the intensive development of the renewable energy sector, oil and gas companies need to develop strategies to not only comply with the new rules of the game, but to also benefit from them. This study includes prospects for development of the global energy system along with analysis of decarbonization strategies for the largest players in the oil and gas market, and defines conceptual directions to improve strategic planning systems of oil and gas companies in order to ensure sustainability in the context of a global energy transition. The theoretical background of this study is based on the fundamental concepts and methods of strategic planning, as well as modern approaches to strategic planning in the oil and gas industry. This study makes three contributions. First, we maintain that a broad, systematic understanding of the consequences of energy system transformation and defining its role in the new market should be the crucial task of players in the oil and gas industry, and we clarify the opportunities and threats of transitioning to decarbonization. Second, the study results contribute to the development of the design theory of strategic planning systems by improving well-known methods and approaches with reference to global energy transformation. Third, we offer proposals for the development of a climate adaptation strategy using the example of a Russian oil and gas company based on the company’s business capabilities