OREANDA-NEWS. April 14, 2008. OAO TMK (TMK) announced today it has sent its first shipment of casing with TMK premium connections to OAO NK Rosneft (Rosneft). These high-performance TMK tubular products will be used in Rosneft’s Vankorskoye oil and gas field.

This shipment of TMK-FMC Premium threaded 177.8 mm casing with 10.36mm wall thickness was supplied within the framework of the long-term strategic partnership between TMK and Rosneft. Signed in February 2007, the partnership was agreed for an initial period of three years with an option for an extension. The partnership ensures optimal coordination for the design and production of new types of pipes supplied by TMK to Rosneft for use in the oil and gas industry, both in the medium and long term.

The TMK-FMC premium connections were designed by TMK Premium Service, a division of TMK specialising in the production and supply of premium connections. TMK Premium Service offers a range of patented connections, developed by TMK R&D specialists and designed for onshore and offshore exploration, appraisal, and production drilling in challenging environments. In addition to the development of premium connections, TMK Premium Service provides transportation, consulting, and training services to TMK customers and valuable support in their production activities.

In 2007, within the frames of the strategic agreement, TMK shipped to Rosneft approximately 95,000 tonnes of high-performance OCTG. Shipments for this year are expected to approach 140,000 tonnes.

The Vankorskoye oil and gas field is expected to be one of the key fields supplying the Eastern Siberia –Pacific Ocean Pipeline.