OREANDA-NEWS. As part of its ongoing closer collaboration with key specialist universities throughout Russia, Gazprom Neft has concluded a strategic agreement with Tyumen State University. Signed by Gazprom Neft First Deputy CEO Vadim Yakovlev and Tyumen State University Rector Valery Falkov, collaborative engagement under this agreement will further improve the training of sought-after industry specialists in conceptual engineering,* able to identify optimum strategies for the implementation of integrated field-development programmes.

The Polytechnic School at Tyumen State University is currently the only academic facility in the country training specialists in conceptual engineering for the oil and gas industry. Gazprom Neft’s collaboration with the university will be managed by the company’s Joint Scientific and Research Centre (Gazprom Neft NTC), a standalone entity located in Tyumen. Gazprom Neft specialists will supply the university with methodological know-how on educational programmes in conceptual engineering, as used at the Gazprom Neft corporate training centre; oil and gas industry specialists will also be engaged as lecturers and tutors at the Polytechnic School.

The signed agreement envisages the practical and collaborative implementation of scientific and technical research in the development of new technologies in various areas of oil production and refining. Students at Tyumen State University will also be given the opportunity to undertake work in research and development (R&D) at various production facilities at Gazprom Neft.

Vadim Yakovlev, First Deputy CEO, Gazprom Neft, commented: “Oil production is becoming ever more complex with each passing year: we are opening up difficult (hard-to-recover) reserves, are moving into new areas, geographically, and are constantly improving our operational efficiency, as well as implementing cutting-edge technologies. The training and development of a highly qualified workforce is a major investment in the long-term development of the company. Which is why the best students at those universities we work with can look forward to working closely with us in the future.”

Gazprom Neft Technology Directorate Head Mars Khasanov added: “We are interested in specialists who know how to develop integrated field-development projects, in which the issues of reservoir development, well placement, ground infrastructure (surface facilities), and the procurement of technology are considered in the context of achieving the optimum economic outcomes. Working in collaboration with Gazprom Neft, students at Tyumen State University can develop their own methodologies and software, for subsequent use by the entire industry.”

* Conceptual engineering is the process of determining the most effective basis for developing a project (in terms of technical specifications and financial criteria), to optimum financial advantage. An integrated project envisages full project management throughout all stages of exploration, development, field development and operation, the procurement of appropriate technology and equipment, and the preparation of feasibility studies to ensure a viable return on investment.

Gazprom Neft is committed to developing its collaboration with higher educational institutions throughout Russia. The company has partnered with leading higher educational institutions including the National Mineral Resources University (Mining University), St Petersburg, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Moscow State University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Ufimsky State Oil Technical University, Tomsk Polytechnic University, Omsk State Technical University, and others. “Gazprom Neft” foundation faculties are currently operating at three leading universities within Russia.