Ritek plans to boost Ob crude shipments.(Brief Article)

Russian crude producer Ritek plans this year to ship 80,000t of crude from the Gulf of Ob in Russia's far north to northwest Europe by sea. The route bypasses the Transneft pipeline system, but exports are limited by the region's three-month navigation season.

The company shipped 40,000t of crude last year, and plans to increase the volume each year. "We realise the project is very risky, but it is very profitable and gives us independence," says a Ritek source.

In July-September this year, Ritek -- which produces 2.3mn t/yr -- will ship crude from its 102mn bl Kislorskoye field in Khanty-Mansiysk region and the Sandybinskoye field in Yamalo-Nenets.

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