Putin’s demand to shelf operators

Speaking at a government session, Premier Putin underlined that Russia has big plans for the development of its Pacific and Arctic shelf, as well as the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. However, the cabinet leader underlined that only the best companies will be allowed shelf access, a transcript from the government press service reads.

-Our principal demand to Russian and foreign companies working in these areas is that only the very most modern and environmentally friendly technology is applied, something which will minimize the burden on nature. Putin underlined that “we remember very well last year’s tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico, we remember the cost for the nature and for the people”.

He added that the companies allowed in also “need to possess the financial resources and reserves enabling them in emergency situations to take all necessary measures on prevention and cleanup of oil spills, as well as compensate for damage inflicted on nature and bio resources”.

Russia is currently working with a new bill, which is to help regulate activities on the shelf. The bill could be ready already by the end of 2011, Presidential Adviser Arkady Dvorkovich told RIA Novosti this week.

Speaking at a meeting with United Russia party representatives on Thursday, Putin confirmed that Russia is likely to complete the mapping of its Arctic shelf by December 2013 and that an application to the UN Commission on the limits of the continental shelf will be handed in early year 2014.

-Russia will without doubt expand its presence in the Arctic, Putin said to his fellow party members. –We are open to dialogue with our foreign partners, with all the neighbors in the Arctic region, but we will of course [at the same time] protect our own geopolitical interests in a firm and consistent way, he added, RIA Novosti reports.