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Russian firms Gazprom and Lukoil have signed a cooperation agreement on the prevention of, and response to, emergencies caused by oil and petroleum product spills in the locations of the companies' offshore facilities.

The agreement was signed by Vitaly Markelov, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee and Ravil Maganov, First Executive Vice President of Lukoil.

Both companies agreed that in the case of emergencies related to petroleum product spills, they would provide mutual assistance in response to such incidents, with the engagement of professional rescue services.

The document also stipulates the information exchange regarding manpower and resources available to tackle emergencies as well as joint consultations, exercises and training.

In particular, Gazprom and Lukoil have agreed to conduct a joint emergency drill in the locations of the Prirazlomnaya offshore ice-resistant platform and the Varandey oil export terminal before the end of the year.

"Our joint efforts are meant to be a safety net to keep the marine ecosystem healthy across the companies' operation areas," said Markelov.

"The fact that Lukoil and Gazprom cooperate in this important matter is yet another example of companies' adherence to the eco-friendly principles," said Maganov.