NCOC is likely to resume operation at Kashagan in 2014 at the earliest
Atyrau. December 12. KAZINFORM - Oil production at Kashagan may begin in 2014 at the earliest, according to the press service of the North Caspian Operating Company, which explains the reasons for suspension of oil production after gas leaks from the pipeline.
"The consortium is committed to the safe launch of the project, so the facilities' integrity is considered the highest priority of our works. Although there haven't been gas leakages from either marine pipelines or oil pipelines, the consortium decided to conduct a full inspection of both pipelines to ensure 100% integrity of the facilities before resuming production at the field, "- the press service said.
"Final interpretation of the diagnostic pig inspection's date will be ready in early 2014," - the press -service answers the media's questions about the timelines to resume production at the giant field.
It is not specified how long it will take to resume oil production after the data is provided, since it is not clear whether it will require to replace pipelines running from the artificial D island in the Caspian Sea to the onshore plant Bolashak, where oil will be processed before export.