The Tuapse licensed block is located on the Russian Black Sea shelf, stretching along the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar region. The block covers an area of 11,200 square km, with the sea depth varying from 1,000 to 2,000 meters. Exploration activities have revealed approximately 70 prospective structures within this ultra-deep block.

An exploration license to the Tuapse block was obtained by Rosneft in August 2003. The Company holds a 100% stake in the Tuapse Trough project.

Areas located on the the Russian Black Sea shelf have huge resource potential, but their exploration requires major Investorsments due to the considerable sea depths (1–2 km). Agreements were reached in 2010-2011 with Chevron and Exxon Mobil concerning possible involvement of these companies in Black Sea projects. The foreign companies would finance the first stage of geological exploration, significantly reducing Rosneft’s risks, and their technical expertise would contribute to efficient implementation of the projects.

Work continued in 2010 as part of the Tuapse Trough projects to prepare for drilling of prospecting wells. 3D seismic totaled 1,200 square km, and engineering and geological studies were carried out at the zone where the first well (№1-Osipovskaya) is to be built.

Exploration activities at the Tuapse block