Yamal LNG operator Novatek said its Arctic LNG 3 unit confirmed the discovery of a new natural gas and gas condensate field at the North-Obskiy license area located in the shallow waters of the Ob Bay.

The North-Obskoye field has estimated reserves of more than 320 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas under Russian reserve classification, and its total resources at the drilled well area are estimated at more than 900 bcm of natural gas, the company said in its statement.

The reserves estimates will be submitted to the Russian State Reserves commission for confirmation in November 2018.

“The discovery of significant hydrocarbon reserves at the North-Obskoye field is an important starting point for one of our future LNG projects in the Arctic region,” Novatek’s head Leonid Mikhelson said.

He added that under the Russian reserve classification, the North-Obskoye field will be included into the ‘unique’ category in terms of reserves size.

“The favorable geographical location of the field, its huge resource base and our accumulated LNG experience are important prerequisites to successfully implement this new LNG project,” Mikhelson said.