OREANDA-NEWS. September 11, 2007. High professionalism is a characteristic feature of Ulianovsk oilmen. Victor Kurochkin has headed OAO “Ulianovskneft” for four years. During this period the plant has considerably strengthened its economic status, raised management efficiency and significantly improved labor conditions. Victor Kurochkin (who the employees among themselves call “The General” ) has authority in the company and enjoys confidence of his colleagues. We are talking to him about the present situation at “Ulianovskneft” and the special features of oil production in Ulianovsk.

- Victor Nikitovich, what are the essential matters of life at “Ulianovskneft” nowadays?

- There are two trends of activity: inner development and external development. In the first case it means upgrading of the production process, automation, autonomy and more effective management. For example, in order not to be dependable on the unstable centralized power system we are equipping our oilfields with Diesel power stations. Lately one more of them, of Italian origin, was put into operation. In order to improve economic indicators we are going to introduce the system of uniform power accounting – it is a very important matter. We are constantly replacing old pieces equipment with new ones. External development is controlled by a special subdivision – OOO “Geofisik”. Next year we will have in total 15 new operating wells and two exploration ones. And we are going to start developing Pavlovskoye oilfield. The first drilling there will take place in 2009. Before this time we are to have all the preparatory works completed.

- Is there a kind of inner competition in the frames of “RussNeft”? If yes, what are the results of “Ulianovskneft”?

- The competition exists, and the results we demonstrate are not bad. We even reached the third place once. The first places always belong to OAO “Belkamneft” and OAO “Saratovneftegas”. Nevertheless, “Ulianovskneft” stably remains in the “top ten” group, out of possible thirty.

- Are there any peculiarities of oil production, special for Ulianovsk?

- Our oil is heavy. It is well known for its high viscosity and it is difficult to produce it. On the one hand you can regard it as a problem. But on the other hand such conditions help to mould excellent specialists, who can, I’d say, resolve any problem. It is high professionalism of Ulianovsk oilmen that you can name our “special feature”.

- There exists a conventional opinion that raw material branches are “easy” in a certain sense. It means, you may not work too hard – no matter, oil is always ingreat demand, in any case customers will buy… What do you think about it?

- I cannot agree with this opinion. Oil production nowadays is a multi-staged complicated process which requires highly qualified personnel. The same can be said about management.  Of course, oil and gas branch has its own specific character, but it by no means lowers the requirements set by our time.

- What does success of oil and gas companies more depends on: global economic situation or hard work of people of the branch?

- Neither of these factors should be underestimated. The success you are speaking about is not only the success of gas- or oilmen. This is the success of each of us. We should thank the nature which was so generous and endowed our land with various resources. But one must know how to manage them wisely. High prices for oil and gas in the world today mean a chance for our country to make a big step ahead, to strengthen our federal status and the well-being of our people. But everything depends on how we are going to use this chance. As far as I can see, oilmen seem to manage to cope with this difficult task. Of course, there was an obscure period, but the life puts everything in order -   temporary people didn’t last long. Mostly the people who work in the branch at present are devoted to their business. They don’t see themselves without this work. And they are the backbone of the branch. Their contribution in the mutual success can’t be overestimated.

- Are there any words you have prepared for the team of “Ulianovskneft” in connection with the oncoming professional holiday?

- I know that the work of oilmen is hard and requires responsibility and commitment. On our part we’ll try to do everything to provide that your labor be justly rewarded. We must celebrate in due way Day of Oilman and our jubilee. Congratulations! My best wishes to all of you and your families!