The Caspian Offshore Development Programme

In 2003, the Kazakhstan government approved the Caspian Offshore Development Programme, to be implemented in 3 phases:

• Phase 1 (2003-2005) – creation of conditions for oil and gas industry development (evaluation and appraisal)
• Phase 2 (2006-2010) – rapid production development
• Phase 3 (2011-2015) – stabilisation of production

Phase 1 – a detailed appraisal of the Caspian’s potential, the impact of the oil industry on the environment, the development of infrastructure and the service industry, and the training of Kazakh oil and gas professionals.

Phase 2 - ensure the increase of offshore hydrocarbon production, economic returns from primary Caspian oil and gas projects and the opening of new offshore blocks for tenders.

Phase 3 - bring offshore production to a stable high level. Extra capacities for hydrocarbon export transportation are to be developed and the oil and gas processing industry to be enhanced. Opening blocks for tenders represents a set of procedures designed to ensure the most rational development of the industry. Tenders will ensure the attraction of the most technologically-advanced and experienced subsurface users.

In 2005 there were 268 blocks (fields) available for tendering, with large and medium potential reserves for exploration.