Staff at Verkhnechonskneftegaz, a subdivision of Rosneft’s oil and gas production complex, drilled a horizontal well in the Verkhnechonskoye field and set a new daily penetration record of 1,088 meters. For context, the field’s average daily progress during 2024 stood at roughly 650 meters. Rosneft’s press service disclosed the milestone, noting the achievement came as the company presses forward with efficiency gains driven by engineering refinements and homegrown technology that power operations in challenging conditions.
Located in Katangsky district of the Irkutsk region, the Verkhnechonskoye field has shown a measurable rise in daily drilling progress, increasing by 11 meters since 2021. The shift to Russian-made drilling tools and downhole equipment has been a key driver. Beyond equipment, the advance reflects a broader optimization of drilling workflows, targeted engineering developments, and the deployment of modern domestic technologies designed to boost performance without compromising safety and reliability. This progression also aligns with Russia’s broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign components amid complex geological settings.
Rosneft said that all stage-type rigs operating on the field are outfitted with domestically produced robotic devices to connect drill pipes. Verkhnechonskneftegaz uses a specialized drilling fluid formulated to improve rock extraction quality while maintaining favorable buoyancy, which helps keep boreholes stable under demanding pressure regimes. The combined effect of robot-assisted operations and tailored drilling fluid reduces downtime, minimizes equipment wear, and enhances overall well-construction reliability in a remote and harsh environment.
Since development began at Verkhnechonskoye, more than three million meters of subsurface excavation have been completed and the thousandth production well has been drilled. At the current development pace, the field advances with roughly one new well each week, a testament to disciplined project management and the integration of domestic technology across the program. The milestone illustrates how a mature field can sustain high output while gradually substituting foreign components with homegrown solutions. For observers in Canada and the United States, the Verkhnechonskoye example offers a concrete case of how domestic robotics, optimized drilling practices, and specialized completion fluids can elevate efficiency in complex onshore settings. Rosneft continues to drive progress by leveraging indigenous technology to maintain steady development in remote, demanding environments.