So when did the Shell-Sakhalin project start? When were the papers signed? I thought it was during the Putin years. Where would the Russians be right now without Shell oil doing a lot of the tough work that the vodka swillers would have f***** up?
The sea of Oktuhsk(sp) is a very hydrocarbon rich area and the PSA's were very favorable to the operators but not the Russian government.
I question whether Gazprom has the technology, personnel, and ability to do it alone, as they want to, but the fact of the matter is that the resources lie in their jurisdiction and no matter how much Exxon, Statoil, or anyone else may not like it, that is the way it is.