In the context of stunted development of resource portfolio, JSC Ukrgasvydobuvannya is looking for the ways to increase natural gas production in existing fields. The Company has launched the sidetracking project in the wells of idling well stock that could not be returned to the producing well stock by other methods.

The sidetracking technology makes it possible to deal with previously idle areas of formation, as well as tight oil and gas reserves the production of which was impossible earlier.

The sidetracking operations have been completed in 2 wells of Chutivsky and Mashivsky fields to date. The average daily flow rate of restored wells is about 70,000 cubic meters of natural gas per day. It is planned to carry out operations to stimulate production after sidetracking operations that will further increase the flow rate of these wells.

The specified technology requires the use of high-tech equipment and the involvement of highly skilled personnel. In view thereof, sidetracking operations are performed, as ordered by Ukrgasvydobuvannya, by Service Oil LLC, a subsidiary of RUE “Production Association “Belorusneft” that has the significant experience in the technology application. In total, it is planned to perform sidetracking operations in 6 wells by the end of May 2019 under the contract.

It is worth noting that the sidetracking technology has a number of significant advantages, namely:

- low costs because lack of need for new communications, reduced costs of equipment and consumables;

- quick hole recovery;

- cost of works is much less than that of new well drilling;

- savings for mature fields due to high oil and gas recovery rate.