Russian and Norwegian partners are in discussion about a new technical base in Murmansk as part of the development of the Shtokman gas field.

Leaders from Murmansk Oblast in Russia and Rogaland County in Norway have agreed on a plan that could see a joint base set up in the Barents Sea field.

According to the Barents Observer, Murmansk Oblast governor Dmitry Dmitriyenko met with Rogaland County mayor Tom Tvedt to consider a shared base at shipyard number 35 in Murmansk.

Both parties signed a letter of intent covering technology, science and economy.

Mr Tvedt told the newspaper: "The agreement on delimitation of the Barents Sea has created new optimism and new possibilities for extended cooperation with the Murmansk region."

He added that the agreement would make it easier for the oil and gas industry to "develop closer cooperation for our common good".

If approved, the project could receive long-term financial backing from the Russian Bank for Foreign Economic Activity and create training opportunities in the region.

The Shtokman gas field operation already involves Total, Statoil and Gazprom.

Oil & Gas Directory: Training & Development