BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 1. Kazakhstan’s
KazMunayGas (KMG) has called for prioritizing further development
plans for the Kashagan field, the company said in a statement.
The issue was discussed during a meeting in Astana between
Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas Askhat Khassenov
and Shell Upstream President Peter Costello.
The parties reviewed the current status of cooperation within
the North Caspian and Karachaganak projects. According to
Khassenov, partners should primarily focus on plans for the next
stages of development at the Kashagan field.
He stressed that implementation of Phase 2A and subsequent
development stages is a key condition for ensuring the project’s
long-term efficiency and sustainable growth.
Regarding the Karachaganak project, the sides noted the
successful commissioning of the sixth gas reinjection compressor
with an annual capacity of 4 billion cubic meters. At the same
time, they emphasized the need to strengthen measures aimed at
ensuring production reliability and operational stability.
The meeting also addressed workforce localization and increasing
the share of Kazakh specialists in management positions at
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V.
The parties additionally discussed cooperation in geological
exploration. Following a review of KazMunayGas’ portfolio of
exploration projects, Shell specialists are currently conducting
their own assessment of several prospective sites.
Separately, Chairman of the Management Board of QazaqGaz Alibek
Zhamauov held talks with Peter Costello and Shell Kazakhstan Chair
Susanne Coogan.
The discussions focused on prospects for developing joint
projects, Shell’s operational activities in Kazakhstan, and key
priorities in hydrocarbon exploration and production. Particular
attention was paid to strengthening partnership ties, exchanging
expertise in advanced technologies, and promoting sustainable
development.
The parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in continuing
constructive cooperation and underscored the strategic importance
of the partnership for the development of Kazakhstan’s gas
industry.
