Current state of exploration and development of oil and gas fields in the Caspian sea

Background. The current state of exploration and development of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea is considered. Aim. Identification of new engineering and technological features of exploration and development of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea. Materials and methods. An analysis and typification of mining and geological conditions and parameters of oil and gas deposits, as well as traps and reservoirs, was carried out. The current state of oil and gas exploration and development in the Caspian Sea was assessed by statistical generalization and systematization of data and materials, partially borrowed from reference literature, stock sources, field data, and published works. Results. The conducted analysis revealed the main engineering and technological features of the current state of exploration and development of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea. These include the creation of special hydraulic structures and floating technical equipment, taking harsh marine hydrometeorological conditions for drilling prospecting, exploration and production wells into account; drilling directional clusters of wells from individual stationary platforms, pier platforms, artificially created islands, jack-up-type and semi-submersible floating installations and other structures both above and below water; selection of a rational design and number of stationary platforms, pier platforms, floating production decks, and other structures for placing the optimum number of wells; creation of special engineering means and technological processes, as well as floating installations that ensure the protection of the marine environment during drilling operations, borehole operation and repair. The need for platforms in the Caspian Sea as a whole in the period until 2025 is estimated at 71–87 units.