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Gazprom Neft has become the first Russian company to join the Arctic Oil Spill Response Technology Joint Industry Programme (JIP) run by the world’s largest oil and gas companies.

The four-year JIP was launched in December 2012 to carry out research in several areas, including studying the fate of dispersed oil under ice, dispersant testing under realistic conditions as well as oil spill detection and mapping in low visibility and ice.

The joint research project has been set up to contribute to industry knowledge, broaden opportunities for testing equipment, conduct large-scale industrial experiments and develop technology and techniques for preventing oil spills in Arctic conditions.

Vadim Yakovlev, First Deputy CEO of Gazprom Neft, said: "Developing oil fields in the Arctic region, including offshore, requires advanced technological solutions for production, ensuring environmental safety and reducing any environmental impact. The joint research programme will enable us to employ international best practice and global expertise in constant improving environmental security systems in the Arctic."