Robert Gordon Uni to train Russian energy workers

Robert Gordon's Garthdee campus. The institution has joined forces with a Russian educational provider. Picture: Complimentary

The new partnership between RGU and the Russian oilfield educational and engineering services company Oilteam was launched today at the Offshore Europe oil industry showcase in Aberdeen.

An RGU spokeswoman explained: “From October Oilteam’s Academy and RGU will deliver a Master of Science (MSc.) degree in Offshore Oil and Gas Engineering in the Black Sea town of Sochi in order to develop the country’s capabilities in capturing its offshore hydrocarbon resources.”

She continued: “Despite Russia’s re-emergence as a world leader in oil and gas production, its offshore resources remain relatively un-tapped. As land-based exploration and production opportunities decline, oil and gas operators face a significant challenge to develop the organisational capability on which Russia’s fledgling, but potentially vast, offshore sector will depend.

“Targeting graduates as well as employees of oil and gas majors, the course aims to equip specialists with backgrounds in land-based E&P with a comprehensive overview of the challenges, technologies and know-how from the world’s leading offshore theatres.”

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, the Principal of RGU, said: “Robert Gordon University is delighted to be part of a new partnership that further enhances our long-standing relationship with the international energy sector. Together with Oilteam, we look forward to launching this new MSc. course as a small but strategic step in supporting the development of Russia’s offshore resources.”

Dr Vladimir Lavrov, chief executive of Oilteam, said: “Russia’s oil and gas majors are acutely aware of the challenges ahead in developing new offshore frontiers. We have listened to them carefully and believe that, together with RGU, our Academy in Sochi will help build an important foundation for the capabilities our industry needs.

“We aim to develop offshore expertise for our own service business, our customers, and for Russia as a whole.”

Alan Grant, the former president of Sakhalin Energy, the company formed to develop a major oilfield on Sakhalin Island in the the far east of Russia, said: “This partnership is a potential milestone for Russia’s offshore industry. RGU is famous for delivering knowledge and skills that our industry needs. In Oilteam they have a partner with the contacts and resources to develop and deliver material for the specific needs of this remarkable country.”