A small artificial island was built at the site to house an exploration oil well. After additional exploration, construction of the production island began in the winter of 1999–2000. A standard oil-drilling platform, such as those used in the Gulf of Mexico, was not feasible because of the annual formation of pack ice close to the northern Alaska coast. A stable, year-round artificial island was the only way to provide the permanent structures needed for a production oil well. To protect against the erosive force of masses of ice, the island’s shores were covered in concrete mats that extend 4 feet above the average waterline and 18 feet below it.
3,000 ton module being offloaded on Sakhalin Island Russia.
Dredging for offloading facility on Sakhalin Island, Russia
Installing pile foundation (4,500 total) on Sakhalin Island, Russia.
Installing pile foundation (30" diameter pipe piles) with swinging leads on Sakhalin Island, Russia.
Gas flare on world's most powerful land drilling rig on Sakhalin Island, Russia.
Storage tank construction and module installation on Sakhalin Island, Russia.
Chavyo flare and drill rig Yastreb on Sakhalin Island, Russia.