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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Future-proofing State Highway 6, Rai Saddle in Marlborough

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    New resilience work will begin next week to help future-proof State Highway 6 on the Rai Saddle in Marlborough.

    Contractors will be on-site from Monday, 14 October, with work expected to continue until late November.

    Rob Service, System Manager Top of the South Island, says they will improve drainage and address under-slips by redirecting stormwater on three one-kilometre sections of the highway.

    “This will help mitigate the impact of bad weather and heavy rainfall on the highway between Nelson and Blenheim.”

    “Each section will be completed one at a time to reduce the impact on drivers, with crews starting at the top of the Rai Saddle and working their way down towards the Mt Richmond Estate Motels,” Mr Service says.

    He says contractors will install pipework, kerbs and barriers to redirect stormwater at each work site, which is critical in hillside areas like the Rai Saddle.

    “Making these improvements and increasing the highway’s resilience will help keep the road open in bad weather and help protect this critical state highway link between Nelson and Marlborough.”

    “It’s about making the highway stronger and better prepared for future disruption,” Mr Service says.

    During the work, one highway lane will remain open under stop/go temporary traffic management 24/7. A temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will also be in place. Road users can expect delays of up to five minutes.

    Mr Service says while the impact of this work on road users will be minimal, it’s important people with ferry connections or appointments plan ahead given other works currently underway on State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim.

    “Allow yourself an extra 30 minutes to get over the hill to ensure you make your destination in time,” he says.

    The work on the Rai Saddle is funded by the Crown Resilience Programme, which is set up to cover the cost of resilience improvements on the state highway network and minimise damage from future weather events.

    Mr Service says two years ago, State Highway 6 had to be closed for major repairs following a major flood.

    “Locals know only too well how big an impact floods can have on their ability to get around. Investments like this can make a big difference,” Mr Service says.

    Works schedule

    • Stop/Go temporary traffic management and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place from Monday, 14 October to Friday, 22 November. 24/7.
    • No work on Labour Weekend (26-28 October) when the road will reopen to two lanes.
    • Work will be carried out on Marlborough Anniversary Day (Monday. 4 November).
    • There will be three, one-kilometre sections of work as part of this project. Each section will be completed one-at-a time.
    • Contractors will start at the top of the Rai Saddle and working their way down towards the Mt Richmond Estate Motels.
    • Expect delays of up to 5 minutes.

    Location

    More information

    • Resilience work is also underway on State Highway 63 as contractors increase the height of the road near the Wash Bridge. Other resilience work is also planned for State Highway 1 at Dashwood. More information about these projects will be shared before they get underway.
    • Crown Resilience Programme (formerly Transport Resilience Fund)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tree blocks Manukau Road in Royal Oak

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A downed tree is blocking Manukau Road in Royal Oak, between the intersections with Symonds Street and Lombardy Green.

    The incident was reported to Police at around 11.26am, and no injuries have been reported.

    The section of Manukau Road is expected to be blocked for some time, and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and to take another route.

    ENDS.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vital help passes pub test

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The pub test has been part of the Australian vernacular for… well, maybe since the Hope and Anchor opened in Hobart in 1807 and the first bloke to down a schooner regaled the room with his opinion.

    And we all know that alcohol can have a loosening effect on people speaking their mind, so since then pubs have probably seen enough opinions to fill 1000 Sydney Harbours.

    Today though, we use the “pub test” expression to mean what any reasonable person might think about a particular situation. What the average Australian may think is or isn’t a good idea.

    It’s been the question many a politician has asked themselves if trying to gauge the temperature of their electorate on tricky issues.

    Perhaps we could even update the term to be called the “hairdresser test”.

    Recently there has been a lot of talk about whether the supports and programs funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme pass the pub test. I’ll be blunt. Some of them simply do not.

    Most people would tell me I was dreaming if I told them that tarot cards, clairvoyance, wilderness therapy, and cuddle therapy are among the things we had to specify were definitely not being funded by the taxpayer. Can you imagine those things being discussed in the front bar?

    And look, there are very few people on the scheme currently getting cuddle therapy, but we want to put certain therapies beyond all reasonable doubt.

    That is why I have released lists of what NDIS participants can and cannot spend their funding on.

    The lists, which came into effect from October 3, update current guidelines and practices and, importantly, provide much needed clarity and certainty to participants and providers.

    So, no more guessing. Participants will be able to identify what is appropriately funded by the NDIS, and what NDIS funding can be used to purchase.

    But I want to run through a few things the scheme has not and will not pay for.

    It will not pay a participant’s rent, rental bond, home deposit or mortgage. It will not pay for donations, tithes, gifts or political contributions. It will not pay for fines, penalties or court ordered amounts. It will not pay for spa baths, saunas, steam rooms.

    It will not pay for groceries in the ordinary course of events.

    I can’t state it any more clearly that the lists are about putting the rorting and the exploitation of grey areas by some unscrupulous providers behind us.

    This scheme is going to be run properly, transparently – and this is the most important part – in the best interests of participants.

    I want every cent designed to get positive outcomes for participants to go to the participant. Not find its way into the pocket of a dodgy provider.

    I want to stress that very few providers are directing NDIS funds towards iffy supports and services but there are some who think that a scientific or evidentiary basis for therapies is optional.

    It’s not.

    The lists are part of the amendments introduced under the Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill No.1, which passed Parliament in August.

    These changes are the next key step in returning the NDIS to its original intent and improving the scheme experience for every participant.

    The lists were finalised after a significant month-long public consultation, with the Department of Social Services, which undertook the consultation, receiving 6180 survey responses, 919 email responses and 120 submissions from organisations and peak bodies.

    Importantly, there will be a transition period for the first year of the new NDIS supports lists to ensure participants aren’t penalised for simple mistakes.

    That transition period will not apply to things which are already unlawful to spend your NDIS money on now, including illicit drugs, sex workers and alcohol.

    And there is also a substitution list which will allow participants to request a replacement support in cases where a standard household item might be able to provide better outcomes and value.

    We know the NDIS is changing lives of participants and their loved ones.

    The NDIS helps young people such as Ken in WA who has Down syndrome, to go to work at Coles. Or Karan from Melbourne, blind and partially deaf, who accesses NDIS supports for assistive technology to live and work independently. While Koen from Sydney uses his NDIS supports to play and coach wheelchair basketball.

    The scheme also helps some short-statured people get modifications for their car so they can drive and live independently.

    I want to acknowledge at this point that many participants are feeling uncertain about these change but the supports being accessed by the vast majority of people will not be impacted by the revised lists which are based on existing guidance.

    The Australian people are fiercely protective of the NDIS, as they are of Medicare. But we must be mindful that we are using taxpayer’s money and we must use it as responsibly as possible.

    Since the lists were announced, around 95 per cent of comments about the news and correspondence I’ve received are very supportive of the changes.

    I hope our quest to make the NDIS fairer and more sustainable has passed the national pub test.

    “This scheme is going to be run properly, transparently, in the best interests of participants.”

    Originally published in The West Australian Monday 7 October 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Syzran Oil Refinery Completes Installation of Main Equipment at Sulfur Production Unit

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Syzran Oil Refinery, which is part of the Rosneft oil refining unit, has completed the installation of reactors, receivers and a gas afterburner at the elemental sulfur production unit. The new equipment was manufactured by Russian companies. The reactor is 12 meters high, weighs about 36 tons, and has a diameter of over 3.5 meters. The receiver is 13 meters high and weighs 14 tons.

    Rosneft is implementing a large-scale program to modernize its refineries in Russia. Since the start of the program, more than 900 billion rubles have already been invested, construction/reconstruction projects for 23 main installations and oil refining complexes have been completed, which has allowed the Company to significantly increase the output of gasoline and diesel fuel of the 5th class and fully meet the needs of the domestic market.

    The elemental sulfur production unit will allow the utilization of hydrogen sulfide-containing gas, which is formed in oil refining processes. The unit will use the Claus oxidation method. The technology will ensure the overall degree of hydrogen sulfide utilization at a level of at least 99.8%.

    The elemental sulfur production unit complex is being built at the Syzran Oil Refinery as part of a modernization program together with the FCC catalytic cracking complex facilities, the launch of which will allow the enterprise to significantly increase the production volumes of high-octane gasolines.

    Reference:

    JSC Syzran Oil Refinery produces a wide range of high-quality petroleum products – motor gasoline and diesel fuel of the highest ecological class, low-sulfur marine fuel RMLS 40 E II, liquefied hydrocarbon gases, petroleum bitumen, etc.

    The company continues to implement a large-scale modernization program with the aim of further increasing the depth of processing and the yield of light petroleum products, as well as the most efficient use of secondary processes to increase the output of high-margin petroleum products.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 29, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213061/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Opens Gas Filling Stations in Orenburg Region

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft, as part of the state program for the development of gas motor fuel, opened gas filling stations in the Orenburg region. The stations are equipped with domestically produced technological equipment.

    At automobile gas filling compressor stations (AGNKS), natural gas is supplied via a gas pipeline, then it is purified, dried and compressed in a compression module. The maximum capacity of the station is 17,000 m3 of gas per day.

    The filling stations were installed as part of the Vankor UTT investment program (part of Rosneft) and transferred to Bashneft-Retail for operation.

    CNG filling stations are designed to refuel vehicles with natural gas (methane). The advantages of using methane as a motor fuel are its environmental friendliness and increased engine life due to the absence of carbon deposits in the cylinders. The use of gas motor fuel can significantly reduce the cost of refueling vehicles and increase the efficiency of transport services.

    Reference:

    OOO Bashneft-Roznitsa is the retail network of Bashneft, comprising 541 filling stations in 15 regions of Russia. In 2022, three CNG filling stations were transferred to the management of OOO Bashneft-Roznitsa: one in Udmurtia and two CNG filling stations in the Orenburg region.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 30, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213065/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft scientists are laureates of the Russian Government Prize

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Photo: Press Service of the Government of the Russian Federation

    Scientists from VNIINP (part of the Rosneft research and development unit) have been awarded the 2022 Russian Government Prize in Science and Technology for Young Scientists*. The award was given for the creation of a line of materials and catalysts for a protective layer for hydrotreating processes in the production of commercial fuels.

    Rosneft pays special attention to the development of modern technical solutions and the implementation of innovations in all areas of activity to increase the Company’s competitiveness.

    The materials developed by the Institute’s specialists are intended for the removal and conversion of various raw material impurities and provide increased energy and resource efficiency of the hydrotreating process. The new products are superior to the best imported analogues.

    In the period 2021-2022, more than 29 tons of protective layer materials and catalysts were produced at the Pilot Industrial Production of NZK LLC, which were loaded and operated at 8 hydrotreating units of Rosneft Oil Refineries. More than 15 tons of catalysts are planned for loading at the Company’s oil refineries in 2023.

    The production of the developed line of new materials and protective layer catalysts is based on the use of domestic raw materials and can be organized at the Company’s catalyst plants.

    * According to the competition regulations, the age of applicants, except for the scientific supervisor of the team of young scientists, must not exceed 35 years at the time of nominating the work for the prize.

    Reference:

    The All-Russian Research Institute for Oil Refining (VNII NP) is a leading scientific organization in the field of development of technologies, catalysts, methods of analysis of petroleum products, metrology, standardization and ecology in the oil refining industry of Russia.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 28, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213017/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Bashneft, a modern kindergarten was opened in Bashkiria

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A new kindergarten “Romashka” for 50 children was opened in the village of Stary Kurdym in the Tatyshlinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Financing for the construction and technical equipment was provided by the company “Bashneft” within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between NK “Rosneft” and the Republic of Bashkortostan.

    The one-story building with an area of 700 m2 meets the most modern technical requirements. A separate block is provided for each age group. All premises are equipped with modern equipment and inventory. The sports and music halls are fully equipped, the food and medical blocks have modern equipment. The outdoor area is divided into play and sports zones with trauma-safe covering.

    The facility is completely autonomous – its own boiler house fully meets the needs of the kindergarten and the neighboring school. The new preschool institution also provides a rich educational program. The staff of educators is formed from certified specialists.

    Also, with the assistance of Bashneft, a new kindergarten for 220 children was put into operation in the village of Kushnarenkovo in the Republic of Bashkortostan this summer. The two-story building with an area of 4.2 thousand m2 is an important social facility in the village with a population of more than 10 thousand people. The new kindergarten has relieved the existing 4 preschool education institutions, which were overloaded.

    Since 2017, Bashneft has implemented more than 220 significant social projects in 49 districts and cities of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

    Reference:

    Bashneft (part of the Rosneft Group of Companies) celebrates its 90th anniversary of production operations in 2022. The company produces and processes oil and gas, produces and sells petroleum products and petrochemicals. Bashneft’s key assets, including oil refining and petrochemical complexes, are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan.

    The cooperation agreement between Rosneft and the Republic of Bashkortostan, aimed at developing industrial, financial and social programs in the region, was extended at the XXV St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which took place in June 2022.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 28, 2022

    Keywords: Social News 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213019/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft has published an atlas of Marine Mammals of Russia

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft, together with the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika, has published the atlas Marine Mammals of Russia as part of the series Ecological Atlases of the Seas of Russia.

    The ecological atlas introduces readers to marine mammals living in the inland waters and seas of Russia. The publication presents scientific data on 47 species of marine mammals found in the described waters. In addition, it contains information on the climatic and oceanographic features of the seas, the history of their study, problems of protecting marine mammals and the main methods of their study. The book provides an opportunity to obtain modern information on the features of biology, population structure, natural and anthropogenic threats to the described species. The publication contains more than 60 maps, unique artistic illustrations, and photographs from the Company’s expeditions.

    The atlas reflects the results of the Company’s long-term work on studying marine mammals – the polar bear and the walrus, which were carried out within the framework of the corporate program for the conservation of biological diversity. The goal of the program is to study and preserve the population of rare animal species, the state of which can be used to judge the balance of Arctic ecosystems. The results of the Company’s research can be found in a special section of the atlas.

    The atlas was developed by specialists from the Company’s Arctic Scientific Center and leading Russian scientific institutes: the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Pacific Institute of Oceanology of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, the All-Russian Research Institute for Environmental Protection, and the Marine Mammal Council.

    The publication “Marine Mammals of Russia” will be of interest not only to the professional community, but also to all those who are not indifferent to environmental issues.

    The atlas is available for free download:

    Atlas «Marine mammals of Russia“.

    Reference:

    The series “Ecological Atlases of the Seas of Russia” is a continuation of the series “Atlases of the Seas of the Russian Arctic” of the Arctic Research Center of Rosneft, within the framework of which in 2016-2017 the following publications were published: “Kara Sea”, “Laptev Sea” and “Marine Mammals of the Russian Arctic and Far East”.

    Rosneft and Innopraktika have already published the following publications within the series Ecological Atlases of the Seas of Russia: The Black and Azov Seas, Species – Biological Indicators of the State of Marine Arctic Ecosystems, and The Barents Sea. The atlases present up-to-date information on physical geography, oceanography, hydrometeorology, ecology, as well as on the distribution of marine mammals and birds, obtained as a result of Rosneft’s research activities in the Arctic. The international system of environmental sensitivity indices (ESI) was adapted for the sections devoted to the classification of sea coasts.

    In 2019, Rosneft, together with the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika, released a unique atlas, “Russian Arctic. Space, Time, Resources.”

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 29, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213039/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: BLOG | Book captures the quirkiness and uniqueness of the 86 bus

    Source: City of Liverpool

    What do you get if you cross an artist-in-residence with the 86 bus? A relatable, heart-warming and humorous collection of observations and conversations that celebrate the beauty found in everyday interactions. Author Nicki McCubbing explains …

    From November 2023 to April 2024 as part of a ‘Listening’ residency with Metal, I sat (and stood) on the 86 bus recording what I heard, saw and smelt on my notes section on my phone. I also took photos through the windows and inside the bus on my phone. This was an ideal residency for me. I love watching people, eavesdropping and collecting stories for my own enjoyment and sometimes I make art out of it. I decided to write very succinct notes, inspired by Sophie Calle’s True Stories, to reflect the fleeting exchanges we have with strangers whilst on the bus. Metal’s idea for this project was to get to know the people in the Picton area and the best way to do this is to listen. To sit and really listen and notice all the small details was harder than I originally thought. Like most other passengers I was so used to zoning out, looking at my phone, or looking out of the window thinking of all the things I had to do.

    The 86 has been my bus route between the city centre and my different homes for over 25 years. As I’ve grown older, my relationship to the bus has changed. I was a student myself when I first rode the 86. Now I am old enough to be the students’ mum. I have seen many things in those years on the 86 including a girl’s hair being set on fire, several fights and an old woman flashing the bus by lifting up her skirt. As I started this listening residency though, I realised that the smaller observations like people’s clothes and conversations and what was in their bags were what formed a more rounded picture of this community. 

    The bus route is unique in Liverpool as it includes so many different areas and people – different ages, from different places with different concerns, beliefs and experiences – all riding together on the same bus. It is important that ordinary people see themselves in art and I have tried to capture the many people riding on this bus with love and humour. Riding the bus has this strange mix of being together and separate which can often create its own unique type of poetic sadness.

    It was hard to know when to stop collecting these observations as there was always a new insight and I started to find beauty and value in almost every journey. I rode the bus during the day and night and eventually I had more than 200 notes and 300 photos which I then had to piece together. I chose to illustrate a variety of people who were representative of the area, all remaining anonymous. Sometimes I wrote notes about how I felt on the bus too. I feel like the observations on their own often reveal quite a lot about me in the fact that I have noticed them, maybe other people would notice something completely different. Everybody’s experience is different because we are all different.

    I’m really thrilled with the final book – I feel it captures the bus route during this specific point in time. It is small and can fit in a pocket, perfect for carrying on the bus. I hope that readers will find the book humorous and recognise some elements of themselves in the writing and how they too, encounter people. I would like readers to see that we are constantly around strangers all going through all different experiences that we don’t know about and that there can be intrigue, beauty and humour in the everyday, even on the bus.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Commemorating victims of 7 October attacks

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister expresses sympathy as he calls for peace.

    First Minister John Swinney expressed his sympathy to the Jewish community as he remembers all those who lost their lives in the Hamas 7 October terror attacks a year ago.

    Since the attacks, the Scottish Government has consistently called for the immediate release of all hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to all who need it, and a two-state solution with sovereign Israeli and Palestinian states.

    The First Minister said:

    “The atrocious attacks carried out by the terrorist organisation, Hamas, on 7 October resulted in the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. Jewish communities across the world, including here in Scotland, are deeply traumatised by the attacks,

    “As we remember those who died, I express my sympathy to the Jewish community and all those who mourn. 

    “I also remember the thousands of innocent people who have been killed in the crisis over the last year. Now more than ever, an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza, and the Middle East.

    “As communities across Scotland reflect on the 7 October terrorist attacks and the subsequent loss of further innocent life that has followed, I pledge the unwavering support of my government to ensure our communities remain united, that all communities are kept safe and that we live in a Scotland where people of all faiths, and none, can live in peace.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Rosneft Holds an IT-Marathon

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft Holds an IT-Marathon

    Moscow saw the finals of Rosneft IT-Marathon which is the biggest in Russia. The organizers and winners of the hackathons* presented their best solutions to experts from leading Russian companies and universities.

    Digitalization of business processes is one of the key objectives of Rosneft-2030 Strategy. The Company is persistently introducing advanced technological solutions to analyze large amounts of data for improving the efficiency in all its business areas. Specialized IT-Marathons help Rosneft address real operational tasks in co-operation with high-skilled people.

    In 2022 RN-BashNIPIneft Research Institute held four contests for students and IT specialists with a total of more than 2,300 people participating. This is twice as many as in 2021. The geography of the participants covers more than 130 cities and 12 countries.

    The priority of the IT-Marathon is to address problems using advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence tools. The solutions gained at the contest are integrated into Rosneft software used for hydrocarbon exploration and production.

    As part of the country universities hackathon, its participants were doing correlation and cluster data analysis and making machine learning models. The obtained solutions will be used for making geological models and identifying methods of oil production. Daniil Raspopin, the winner of the hackathon from Kursk, got a job offer from RN-BashNIPIneft, and so now he is involved in the institute’s projects of data analysis and machine learning.

    Participants of the hackathon for robotics programmers were solving a task of robotizing the study of core, – which means “samples of rock”. The best approaches and methods used for solving this task are now planned to be employed in the modernization project of RN-BashNIPIneft laboratory complex.

    This year the tasks of the two biggest IT-Marathon contests – Rosneft Challenge I and Rosneft Challenge II – were around the subject of oilfield development optimization. Their first task was about predicting electrical submersible pump failures, and the second task was about optimizing well operations. The solutions presented by the participants will be used in the high-tech software line developed in the Company.

    Details about the IT-Marathon are available at: https://events.rn.digital/

    *Hackathon is a competition at which specialists from different software development areas together solve some problem for time.

    Note:

    RN-BashNIPIneft LLC is the Rosneft largest research and design institute and a center of the Company’s high-tech corporate software development.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    December 5, 2022

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister confirms awards from Marine Fund Scotland

    Source: Scottish Government

    £14 million for marine industries and coastal and island communities in 2024/25.

    First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that 67 projects will share a total of £14 million in support from the latest round of Marine Fund Scotland.

    The First Minister made the announcement in Shetland, where this morning he will tour Lerwick’s daily electronic fish auction and meet the Shetland Fishermen’s Association before attending the Convention of the Highlands and Islands.

    This year’s awards include seven to Shetland-based projects, including support for a new fisher from Scalloway to help secure a vessel to enter the industry, along with grants for Blueshell Mussels in Brae to enhance its mussel-growing process and to Cooke Aquaculture to trial an innovative water-borne feeding system.

    Other awards to island-based businesses include for Vonin Scotland to help establish a net service station for the aquaculture sector at Kyleakin on Skye, initially creating 15 new jobs. This project means nets will now only need to be transported a short distance by boat rather than via an extended road journey to the Central Belt, reducing CO2 emissions, and will improve recycling rates of nets preventing material ending up in landfill or incineration.  

    First Minister John Swinney said:

    “Our island and coastal communities and the marine industries based here make a huge contribution to Scotland – not just to our economy but also to our efforts to drive innovation and sustainability.

    “I’m very pleased therefore to be here in Shetland to confirm these awards to a wide range of projects, all of which have demonstrated that they will help to drive innovation in the marine sector and help sustain coastal communities.

    “Over the last four years, Marine Fund Scotland has supported hundreds of pioneering projects that are already contributing to building prosperity whilst at the same time protecting the planet.”

    The First Minister is also expected to visit Scottish Sea Farms salmon processing facilities later before meeting Lerwick Port Authority leadership.  

    Sectors receiving support include sea fisheries; aquaculture; seafood processing; wild fisheries including wild salmon; projects that tackle marine litter and improve recycling; and the wider marine environment. Applicants are assessed against strict eligibility criteria including alignment with Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision.

    David Brown, Shetland Regional Manager at Cooke Scotland, said: “We are grateful for the grant assistance which will enable us to trial and develop a new waterborne feed delivery method where rural communities such as Shetland can continue feeding the world with premium Scottish salmon.

    “The health and welfare of our fish is a top priority and the project aims to enhance their wellbeing by encouraging the salmon to feed lower down in the pens, minimising the impact from environmental challenges and wildlife, as well as reducing our energy consumption and ensuring the durability of our feed pipes.”

    Background

    Marine Fund Scotland

    List of 2024/25 awards

    Blue Economy Vision

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Rosneft Holds an IT-Marathon

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft Holds an IT-Marathon

    Moscow saw the finals of Rosneft IT-Marathon which is the biggest in Russia. The organizers and winners of the hackathons* presented their best solutions to experts from leading Russian companies and universities.

    Digitalization of business processes is one of the key objectives of Rosneft-2030 Strategy. The Company is persistently introducing advanced technological solutions to analyze large amounts of data for improving the efficiency in all its business areas. Specialized IT-Marathons help Rosneft address real operational tasks in co-operation with high-skilled people.

    In 2022 RN-BashNIPIneft Research Institute held four contests for students and IT specialists with a total of more than 2,300 people participating. This is twice as many as in 2021. The geography of the participants covers more than 130 cities and 12 countries.

    The priority of the IT-Marathon is to address problems using advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence tools. The solutions gained at the contest are integrated into Rosneft software used for hydrocarbon exploration and production.

    As part of the country universities hackathon, its participants were doing correlation and cluster data analysis and making machine learning models. The obtained solutions will be used for making geological models and identifying methods of oil production. Daniil Raspopin, the winner of the hackathon from Kursk, got a job offer from RN-BashNIPIneft, and so now he is involved in the institute’s projects of data analysis and machine learning.

    Participants of the hackathon for robotics programmers were solving a task of robotizing the study of core, – which means “samples of rock”. The best approaches and methods used for solving this task are now planned to be employed in the modernization project of RN-BashNIPIneft laboratory complex.

    This year the tasks of the two biggest IT-Marathon contests – Rosneft Challenge I and Rosneft Challenge II – were around the subject of oilfield development optimization. Their first task was about predicting electrical submersible pump failures, and the second task was about optimizing well operations. The solutions presented by the participants will be used in the high-tech software line developed in the Company.

    Details about the IT-Marathon are available at: https://events.rn.digital/

    *Hackathon is a competition at which specialists from different software development areas together solve some problem for time.

    Note:

    RN-BashNIPIneft LLC is the Rosneft largest research and design institute and a center of the Company’s high-tech corporate software development.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    December 5, 2022

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum brings together executives of major companies, government officials and industry experts

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum brings together executives of major companies, government officials and industry experts

    Government officials from the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China and executives from over 100 major Russian and Chinese companies have attended the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum.

    The reports on the development of energy cooperation between the two countries at the Forum were presented by Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company; Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Han Zheng, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China; Dai Houliang, Chairman of the CNPC Board of Directors; CEOs of Russian and Chinese companies. The Forum was also attended by ministers and government officials from the two countries, as well as representatives of the scientific community.

    The strong participation once again confirmed the RCEBF’s status as the most important platform for shaping the key areas of energy dialogue between Russia and China.

    The Forum was held in a face-to-face distance format at two venues in Moscow and Beijing, with a video bridge between them.

    UPWARD DEVELOPMENT

    President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China sent greetings to the Forum participants, in which they noted the positive dynamics of the development of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation.

    In particular, Vladimir Putin noted in his address that, despite the complexity of the international situation, relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China continue to develop in an upward direction. The energy sector remains one of the key and most dynamic areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.

    “The Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum plays an increasingly prominent role in expanding cooperation in such an important sector, facilitating regular dialogue between representatives of government agencies, leading industry corporations, banking institutions and expert circles of the two countries. One of the Forum’s most vital activities is the creation of the “Atlas of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation Investments”. There is no doubt that the development of this unique information and analysis platform opens up new opportunities for mutually beneficial commercial initiatives,” reads the address of the Russian President.

    CORNERSTONE OF CHINA-RUSSIA COOPERATION

    In his welcoming address to the Forum, China’s President Xi Jinping declared energy to be the cornerstone of cooperation between China and Russia.

    According to the PRC President, Beijing intends to build a closer partnership with Moscow in the energy sector. “The energy engagement between China and Russia is a cornerstone of practical cooperation between the two countries and also serves as an effective force for global energy security,” reads Xi Jinping’s address.

    Russia and China’s energy cooperation demonstrates sustainability despite external challenges, the PRC President said.

    “In the face of external risks and challenges, Russia and China are intensifying interaction and coordination, promoting major cooperation projects, demonstrating the high sustainability of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation,” reads Xi Jinping’s address.

    UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

    Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company, delivered an address at the opening of the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum devoted to the development of the energy dialogue between the two countries.

    By the end of this year, the trade turnover between Russia and China may reach $180-190 billion, Rosneft CEO believes. According to him, the figure has already reached $153.9 billion in ten months.

    Thus, Igor Sechin added, the goal of reaching $200 billion in trade turnover may be achieved even earlier than in 2024, as previously planned.

    Igor Sechin noted that Xi Jingping’s 2015 proposal at the rostrum of the UN to create a “community of one destiny for the humankind”, which underlay Chinese foreign policy (as part of the preamble to China’s Constitution), was a worthy response to the challenges of the growing turbulence. “The Western opponents cannot or do not want to understand the great humanitarian meaning of this idea, rejecting the concept of common destiny because of certain ideological considerations,” Igor Sechin believes. “They do not want to understand that it is not about a uniformity, which is naturally alien to the Chinese cultural tradition.” “All phenomena develop together and do not impede one another, all principles are effected together and do not contradict one another,” says a Chinese wisdom. “China simply tells the world: “We are all in the same boat.” And it turns out that China is working to unite humanity, while the West is working to divide it,” Igor Sechin said.

    Rosneft CEO noted that China, like Russia, had always been against unilateral sanctions and economic pressure, which turned into selfish promotion of one’s own selfish interests, and had always advocated the universal and equal application of international law. “Nevertheless, we see that the PRC is subjected to commercial discrimination. The goal is openly set to stop China’s technological development and prevent China from becoming the Number 1 technological power,” the head of Rosneft believes. No wonder the 20th CPC Congress has paid so much attention to security, which is becoming a political priority.

    Rosneft CEO emphasised the unique opportunities that the cooperation offers in terms of ensuring China’s and Russia’s economic security in sensitive areas. “In the field of resource supply, including energy resources, Russia is a reliable supplier with a huge potential that is capable of expanding. As for production and technological logistics, our partnership here seems to be the most protected in terms of security,” Igor Sechin said.

    Russian energy companies, Sechin said, were ready to cooperate with Chinese partners in all areas—“in coal, in gas, in oil, in electricity and through Rosatom.”

    Rosneft CEO noted that the Company had always promoted integral cooperation with Chinese partners along the entire technological chain: that is exploration and production, refining, power generation, sales at potential markets, including retail sales. “As a rule, such cooperation implies exchange of shares, setup of joint ventures, supply of equipment, and technological partnership,” he said.

    POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN ENERGY EXPORTS

    Russia’s oil exports to China in January-October 2022 increased by 9.5% year-on-year to reach almost 72 million tonnes. This put Russia in second place among the suppliers of this fuel to Beijing, only slightly behind Saudi Arabia (73.8 million tonnes), Igor Sechin said.

    For his part, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak acknowledged the possibility of building new oil pipelines to China.

    Rosneft CEO also reminded the audience about the Vostok Oil project that “would provide long-term, reliable, and guaranteed energy supplies to Asia’s growing economies.” The project should produce 115 million tonnes of oil by 2033, equivalent to 2.5% of current world production.

    Russia also retains great potential for increasing hydrocarbon exports. For example, Sechin estimates that Rosneft alone has more than 2 trillion cubic metres of gas reserves in Eastern Siberia and the Far East that could be delivered to China.

    According to Igor Sechin, Russian pipeline gas deliveries could increase by 60% this year. The figure will exceed 100 billion cubic metres a year in the foreseeable future, and Rosneft CEO is confident that this is not even the limit.

    Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry Igor Sechin noted the prospects for liquefied natural gas: “Today Russia exports to China relatively small volumes of LNG, but in the future, the volume of LNG supplies may become comparable to our supplies from pipeline projects.”

    For his part, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Chairman Dai Houliang pointed to the importance of proper operation of oil pipelines from Russia to China and the Yamal LNG project, in which CNPC has a stake.

    “The implementation of the Sino-Russian gas pipeline through the Far East route and the Arctic LNG-2 project should also be accelerated,” he added.

    Furthermore, according to Igor Sechin, Russia accounts for almost a quarter of China’s coal imports—53 million tonnes in the first ten months of this year. Only Indonesia supplies more coal to the PRC.

    China buys from Russia not only hydrocarbons, but also electricity. Between January and October, its supplies grew by 33% and set a new record.

    SETTLEMENTS IN NATIONAL CURRENCIES

    As Alexander Novak noted, Russia and China were switching to settlements in national currencies when trading energy resources: “This work helps to prevent risks and facilitate the transformation of the rouble and yuan to the status of world reserve currencies.” In addition, the two countries’ central banks are working on a settlement system outside SWIFT.

    A significant step in the development of settlement in national currencies was Rosneft’s 2022 placement of an issue of bonds in yuan totalling 15 billion. According to bank analysts, this was the largest corporate bond market placement in the Russian market ever.

    Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry Igor Sechin noted that settlements under foreign economic contracts, primarily for the supply of energy products, had been promptly adapted to the new conditions. “I consider it important to develop clearing payments between China and Russia, which could then be joined by other interested countries (EAEU, SCO, BRICS). The existence of an independent settlement system is an important component of financial sovereignty in the contemporary world,” the head of Rosneft said.

    INVESTMENT ATLAS

    A significant contribution to the development of energy cooperation between the two countries was the publication of the Atlas of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation Investments. This document is a comprehensive and practical guide to the implementation of joint projects. Its first part, presented at the previous Forum by the Russian side, was devoted to a review of the current state and prospects of development of the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation.

    During the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum, Zhang Jianhua, Head of the State Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China, gave a presentation on the Chinese part of the Atlas.

    The Forum brought together over 300 representatives of major Russian and Chinese companies in the oil and gas, power, coal, nuclear and renewable energy sectors, heads of federal executive authorities, power equipment manufacturers, and representatives of the financial and IT sectors. The participants discussed in detail the key issues of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. On the sidelines of the Forum, contracts were discussed and concluded between Russian and Chinese partners on energy supply, technology development, joint research, personnel training, and involvement of Chinese companies in the procurement of goods, works and services for projects implemented in Russia.

    The Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum has been held since 2018, in line with the agreements reached by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China. The two leaders outlined the main objective of the Forum, that is to expand cooperation, find new areas for investment and implement promising projects in the energy sphere in Russia and China.

    Since its inception, the Forum takes place under the auspices of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety and the State Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China, and is co-organised by Rosneft and China National Petroleum Corporation.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    November 29, 2022

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum brings together executives of major companies, government officials and industry experts

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum brings together executives of major companies, government officials and industry experts

    Government officials from the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China and executives from over 100 major Russian and Chinese companies have attended the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum.

    The reports on the development of energy cooperation between the two countries at the Forum were presented by Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company; Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Han Zheng, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China; Dai Houliang, Chairman of the CNPC Board of Directors; CEOs of Russian and Chinese companies. The Forum was also attended by ministers and government officials from the two countries, as well as representatives of the scientific community.

    The strong participation once again confirmed the RCEBF’s status as the most important platform for shaping the key areas of energy dialogue between Russia and China.

    The Forum was held in a face-to-face distance format at two venues in Moscow and Beijing, with a video bridge between them.

    UPWARD DEVELOPMENT

    President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China sent greetings to the Forum participants, in which they noted the positive dynamics of the development of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation.

    In particular, Vladimir Putin noted in his address that, despite the complexity of the international situation, relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China continue to develop in an upward direction. The energy sector remains one of the key and most dynamic areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.

    “The Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum plays an increasingly prominent role in expanding cooperation in such an important sector, facilitating regular dialogue between representatives of government agencies, leading industry corporations, banking institutions and expert circles of the two countries. One of the Forum’s most vital activities is the creation of the “Atlas of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation Investments”. There is no doubt that the development of this unique information and analysis platform opens up new opportunities for mutually beneficial commercial initiatives,” reads the address of the Russian President.

    CORNERSTONE OF CHINA-RUSSIA COOPERATION

    In his welcoming address to the Forum, China’s President Xi Jinping declared energy to be the cornerstone of cooperation between China and Russia.

    According to the PRC President, Beijing intends to build a closer partnership with Moscow in the energy sector. “The energy engagement between China and Russia is a cornerstone of practical cooperation between the two countries and also serves as an effective force for global energy security,” reads Xi Jinping’s address.

    Russia and China’s energy cooperation demonstrates sustainability despite external challenges, the PRC President said.

    “In the face of external risks and challenges, Russia and China are intensifying interaction and coordination, promoting major cooperation projects, demonstrating the high sustainability of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation,” reads Xi Jinping’s address.

    UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

    Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company, delivered an address at the opening of the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum devoted to the development of the energy dialogue between the two countries.

    By the end of this year, the trade turnover between Russia and China may reach $180-190 billion, Rosneft CEO believes. According to him, the figure has already reached $153.9 billion in ten months.

    Thus, Igor Sechin added, the goal of reaching $200 billion in trade turnover may be achieved even earlier than in 2024, as previously planned.

    Igor Sechin noted that Xi Jingping’s 2015 proposal at the rostrum of the UN to create a “community of one destiny for the humankind”, which underlay Chinese foreign policy (as part of the preamble to China’s Constitution), was a worthy response to the challenges of the growing turbulence. “The Western opponents cannot or do not want to understand the great humanitarian meaning of this idea, rejecting the concept of common destiny because of certain ideological considerations,” Igor Sechin believes. “They do not want to understand that it is not about a uniformity, which is naturally alien to the Chinese cultural tradition.” “All phenomena develop together and do not impede one another, all principles are effected together and do not contradict one another,” says a Chinese wisdom. “China simply tells the world: “We are all in the same boat.” And it turns out that China is working to unite humanity, while the West is working to divide it,” Igor Sechin said.

    Rosneft CEO noted that China, like Russia, had always been against unilateral sanctions and economic pressure, which turned into selfish promotion of one’s own selfish interests, and had always advocated the universal and equal application of international law. “Nevertheless, we see that the PRC is subjected to commercial discrimination. The goal is openly set to stop China’s technological development and prevent China from becoming the Number 1 technological power,” the head of Rosneft believes. No wonder the 20th CPC Congress has paid so much attention to security, which is becoming a political priority.

    Rosneft CEO emphasised the unique opportunities that the cooperation offers in terms of ensuring China’s and Russia’s economic security in sensitive areas. “In the field of resource supply, including energy resources, Russia is a reliable supplier with a huge potential that is capable of expanding. As for production and technological logistics, our partnership here seems to be the most protected in terms of security,” Igor Sechin said.

    Russian energy companies, Sechin said, were ready to cooperate with Chinese partners in all areas—“in coal, in gas, in oil, in electricity and through Rosatom.”

    Rosneft CEO noted that the Company had always promoted integral cooperation with Chinese partners along the entire technological chain: that is exploration and production, refining, power generation, sales at potential markets, including retail sales. “As a rule, such cooperation implies exchange of shares, setup of joint ventures, supply of equipment, and technological partnership,” he said.

    POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN ENERGY EXPORTS

    Russia’s oil exports to China in January-October 2022 increased by 9.5% year-on-year to reach almost 72 million tonnes. This put Russia in second place among the suppliers of this fuel to Beijing, only slightly behind Saudi Arabia (73.8 million tonnes), Igor Sechin said.

    For his part, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak acknowledged the possibility of building new oil pipelines to China.

    Rosneft CEO also reminded the audience about the Vostok Oil project that “would provide long-term, reliable, and guaranteed energy supplies to Asia’s growing economies.” The project should produce 115 million tonnes of oil by 2033, equivalent to 2.5% of current world production.

    Russia also retains great potential for increasing hydrocarbon exports. For example, Sechin estimates that Rosneft alone has more than 2 trillion cubic metres of gas reserves in Eastern Siberia and the Far East that could be delivered to China.

    According to Igor Sechin, Russian pipeline gas deliveries could increase by 60% this year. The figure will exceed 100 billion cubic metres a year in the foreseeable future, and Rosneft CEO is confident that this is not even the limit.

    Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry Igor Sechin noted the prospects for liquefied natural gas: “Today Russia exports to China relatively small volumes of LNG, but in the future, the volume of LNG supplies may become comparable to our supplies from pipeline projects.”

    For his part, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Chairman Dai Houliang pointed to the importance of proper operation of oil pipelines from Russia to China and the Yamal LNG project, in which CNPC has a stake.

    “The implementation of the Sino-Russian gas pipeline through the Far East route and the Arctic LNG-2 project should also be accelerated,” he added.

    Furthermore, according to Igor Sechin, Russia accounts for almost a quarter of China’s coal imports—53 million tonnes in the first ten months of this year. Only Indonesia supplies more coal to the PRC.

    China buys from Russia not only hydrocarbons, but also electricity. Between January and October, its supplies grew by 33% and set a new record.

    SETTLEMENTS IN NATIONAL CURRENCIES

    As Alexander Novak noted, Russia and China were switching to settlements in national currencies when trading energy resources: “This work helps to prevent risks and facilitate the transformation of the rouble and yuan to the status of world reserve currencies.” In addition, the two countries’ central banks are working on a settlement system outside SWIFT.

    A significant step in the development of settlement in national currencies was Rosneft’s 2022 placement of an issue of bonds in yuan totalling 15 billion. According to bank analysts, this was the largest corporate bond market placement in the Russian market ever.

    Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry Igor Sechin noted that settlements under foreign economic contracts, primarily for the supply of energy products, had been promptly adapted to the new conditions. “I consider it important to develop clearing payments between China and Russia, which could then be joined by other interested countries (EAEU, SCO, BRICS). The existence of an independent settlement system is an important component of financial sovereignty in the contemporary world,” the head of Rosneft said.

    INVESTMENT ATLAS

    A significant contribution to the development of energy cooperation between the two countries was the publication of the Atlas of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation Investments. This document is a comprehensive and practical guide to the implementation of joint projects. Its first part, presented at the previous Forum by the Russian side, was devoted to a review of the current state and prospects of development of the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation.

    During the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum, Zhang Jianhua, Head of the State Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China, gave a presentation on the Chinese part of the Atlas.

    The Forum brought together over 300 representatives of major Russian and Chinese companies in the oil and gas, power, coal, nuclear and renewable energy sectors, heads of federal executive authorities, power equipment manufacturers, and representatives of the financial and IT sectors. The participants discussed in detail the key issues of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. On the sidelines of the Forum, contracts were discussed and concluded between Russian and Chinese partners on energy supply, technology development, joint research, personnel training, and involvement of Chinese companies in the procurement of goods, works and services for projects implemented in Russia.

    The Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum has been held since 2018, in line with the agreements reached by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China. The two leaders outlined the main objective of the Forum, that is to expand cooperation, find new areas for investment and implement promising projects in the energy sphere in Russia and China.

    Since its inception, the Forum takes place under the auspices of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety and the State Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China, and is co-organised by Rosneft and China National Petroleum Corporation.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    November 29, 2022

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Serious crash, State Highway 2, Waipawa

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person has died following a crash on State Highway 2 near Waipawa in Central Hawke’s Bay this morning.

    The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at 10.15am.

    Two other people suffered moderate injuries and were transported to Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

    The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and State Highway 2 is expected to remain closed for some time.

    Southbound traffic is being diverted at Higginson Road, and northbound traffic at Racecourse Road.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft sets the vector for development of the oil and gas chemical complex

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft held the 15th Scientific and Practical Conference “Current Tasks of the Petrochemical Complex” in Moscow. The event brought together more than 800 representatives of industrial, research and design enterprises of Russia, specialized associations, the Ministry of Energy, analytical and consulting agencies. The conference was organized by the corporate research and design institute OAO VNIPIneft.

    The conference delegates examined the current state of the industry, the prospects and possibilities for import substitution of the main processes of oil refining and petrochemistry, as well as the need to create a single mechanism that would consolidate the capabilities of science, business and production to solve the problems facing the country in achieving technological independence.

    The speakers spoke about unique experience in import substitution of catalysts, technological solutions in the production of fuels for the Arctic region, innovative approaches to the processing of heavy oil feedstock and successful projects for the implementation of digital twins in production. The experts also shared their experience in implementing projects in the field of production of basic petrochemical products and low-tonnage chemical processes. An interesting discussion took place on the strategy for developing engineering for the implementation of domestic technologies.

    Particular attention was paid to environmental issues and reducing the impact of production on the environment, outlined in the Rosneft-2030 strategy. Experts analyzed the sources of carbon dioxide emissions at oil refineries and identified the most promising ones in terms of volumes of emissions and monetization of processed and concentrated products. In particular, supercritical deasphalting technology was proposed for consideration, allowing for the efficient processing and utilization of oil sludge generated at oil production and refining facilities.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 21, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212963/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft has discovered a large oil and gas condensate field in Yakutia

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha company, which is part of the oil and gas production complex of NK Rosneft, has discovered a large oil and gas condensate field in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). More than 9.5 billion m3 of gas and more than 1.5 million tons of oil have been placed on the balance sheet of the State Reserves Commission. The new field is called Kubalakhskoye.

    Improving the efficiency of reserve replenishment is one of the key elements of the Rosneft-2030 Strategy. The company plans to replenish at least 100% of the hydrocarbons produced.

    The Kubalakhskoye field is located in close proximity to the Srednebotuobinskoye field, which is also being industrially developed by Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha. The use of the associated infrastructure will increase the efficiency of the development of the Kubalakhskoye field reserves.

    The results of drilling the 1P Kubalakhskaya well allowed not only to discover a new deposit, but also determined the further scope of geological exploration work in this region. Drilling of 4 exploration wells is already planned to study the territory.

    Rosneft, through its subsidiary Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha, is carrying out large-scale geological exploration work in the Republic of Sakha. High efficiency of geological exploration work (five fields have been discovered in three years) is achieved through the use of innovative technologies, an integrated approach to geological exploration work, and effective interaction between geologists from Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha and RN-Exploration and specialists from the RN-KrasnoyarskNIPIneft Institute (part of Rosneft).

    Reference:

    Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha operates in 11 license areas located in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The company is developing the Central Block and the Kurungsky license area of the Srednebotuobinskoye oil and gas condensate field, which is one of Rosneft’s largest assets in Eastern Siberia.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 22, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212971/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Improves Methods of Enhanced Oil Recovery

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Specialists from the Tyumen Oil Research Center (part of the Rosneft research and design unit) have developed a software module called RN-Gas MUN* to assess the effectiveness of gas methods for increasing oil recovery. The new science-intensive IT product uses analytical calculations to make an express assessment of the potential effect of gas injection into the formation.

    Digitalization in all areas of activity is one of the key elements of the Rosneft-2030 Strategy. The emphasis on the implementation of digital technologies allows for increased efficiency and speed of decision-making throughout the Company’s production chain.

    The use of gas methods is relevant both for increasing oil recovery and for intensifying production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utilizing associated petroleum gas. The emphasis on developing proprietary technologies and software tools for predicting the efficiency of gas EOR allows the Company to make the most rational design decisions in the shortest possible time.

    The software module “RN-Gas MUN” evaluates the results of gas impact and determines the efficiency of production using key geological and physical parameters of the studied formation. In a matter of seconds, the program performs an express assessment of geological, technological and infrastructural risks of using gas methods, carries out a preliminary technical and economic calculation of the efficiency of using various technologies for pumping associated petroleum gas and CO2, taking into account the geological features of operational facilities.

    Calculations for ten Company facilities that are promising for the application of the technology have shown that the potential increase in the oil recovery factor from the introduction of gas EOR in terms of total additional production is 238 million tons, which is comparable to the discovery of a new large oil field. Practical application of “RN-Gas EOR” in the Company will allow promptly determining the development potential of gas methods and selecting priority production facilities for further detailed development.

    *-MUN – methods of increasing returns

    Reference:

    Tyumen Oil Research Center LLC (TNNC) is one of the largest regional centers in the field of geology and development of oil, gas condensate and gas fields. The center’s main activities are core and reservoir fluid studies, processing and interpretation of seismic exploration data, petrophysical and geological modeling, reserve management, design and monitoring of field development, well drilling support, and implementation of innovative projects.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 21, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212959/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: RN-Uvatneftegaz completed research of endangered birds in Uvatsky District

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The company RN-Uvatneftegaz, which is part of the oil production complex of Rosneft, summed up the results of the implementation of a grant project to preserve the biodiversity of the Tyumen region. As part of the project, specialists studied the state of populations of rare and protected bird species listed in the Red Books of the Tyumen region and Russia.

    Caring for the environment is an integral part of the corporate culture and one of the key principles of Rosneft’s activities. The company has been a member of the UN Global Compact for over 10 years, confirming its commitment to the 17 UN goals in the field of sustainable development.

    Scientists from Tyumen State University conducted research and field work within the Irtysh River valley on an area of about 9 thousand square kilometers. At the first stage of the research, ornithologists collected and analyzed data on rare and protected bird species, and at the second and third stages, they conducted field work to assess the quantitative state of the populations.

    Primary field data were collected using the route method, birds were photographed using long-focus optics, voices were digitally recorded to determine species, and sound stimulation was used. Similar studies have not been conducted in the area since the end of the last century.

    During the expedition, scientists discovered representatives of 70 bird species belonging to 10 orders, including 11 rare and protected species. Among them are the white-tailed eagle, the great curlew, the mute swan, the osprey and others.

    Ornithologists analyzed the main limiting factors of life activity for rare and endangered species, and gave recommendations for optimizing nature management, habitats and nesting sites in the study area.

    Scientists have also developed a list of measures to reduce the negative impact on populations of rare bird species, including limiting industrial work during the nesting season (May-June), carrying out biotechnical measures to create artificial nests, fluttering grounds and gravel beds, protecting forests from wildfires, regulating the number of birds of prey, and environmental education of the population.

    Rosneft is implementing a number of programs to study and preserve flora and fauna in the regions where it operates. More than 20 projects to study rare animals, birds and fish, as well as to preserve the national culture of indigenous peoples, have been developed since 2014.

    Reference:

    RN-Uvatneftegaz is engaged in exploration and development of a group of fields located in Western Siberia in the Uvatsky District of the Tyumen Region. The Uvatsky project includes 19 licensed areas with a total area of over 25 thousand km2.

    RN-Uvatneftegaz is one of the largest taxpayers in the Tyumen region. Under the current agreement between Rosneft and the region, the company actively supports regional social programs and promotes the development of the Uvatsky district.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 20, 2022

    Keywords: Ecological news 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212915/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft enterprises awarded the highest prize of the “100 Best Products of Russia” competition

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In 2022, the highest award “Quality Leader” of the “100 Best Products of Russia” Program competition in the nomination “Products for industrial and technical purposes” was awarded to three enterprises. Two of them – Saratov Oil Refinery and Angarsk Polymer Plant – are part of Rosneft Oil Company.

    The “Quality Leader” prize is awarded to a manufacturer that consistently produces high-quality and safe products for consumers or provides high-quality and safe services.

    The products of the Company’s enterprises were also awarded high prizes: the ecological class K5 motor gasoline of the AI-95-K5 “Euro 6” brand produced by the Saratov Oil Refinery was recognized as a laureate of the competition and awarded the honorary diploma “Golden Hundred”. The gold badge and the title of laureate were received by foamed polystyrene and high-pressure polyethylene produced by the Angarsk Polymer Plant. Technical ethylbenzene and petroleum benzene will be marked with a silver logo.

    Ensuring the highest quality standards for manufactured products is the Company’s top priority. In 2018, Rosneft was the first in Russia to start producing Euro 6 gasoline with improved environmental characteristics. Euro 6 motor gasoline contains less sulfur, benzene and aromatic hydrocarbons, which helps reduce corrosion activity and leads to a decrease in the toxicity of exhaust gases.

    The commercial output of the Angarsk Polymer Plant serves as the basis for the production of a wide range of products at Russian enterprises. Technical ethylbenzene is used to produce styrene and is used in organic synthesis. Petroleum benzene is used to obtain synthetic rubbers, plastics, synthetic fibers, dyes, surface-active substances (SAS) and medicinal substances. Expandable polystyrene is used to manufacture heat and sound insulation boards, car components, various types of packaging and building materials. High-density polyethylene serves as the basis for the production of various types of film, and is used in electrical insulation and chemical production.

    Reference:

    Saratov Oil Refinery is the main producer of petroleum products in the Saratov Region. The range of products includes motor gasolines, including Euro 6 gasoline with improved environmental and operational characteristics, diesel fuel, road and roofing bitumen, marine fuel, technical sulfur and other petroleum products. Saratov Oil Refinery is a laureate of the Russian Federation Government Prize in the field of quality.

    JSC “AZP” is one of the largest industrial enterprises of the Russian Federation in the field of petrochemistry. The production capacities of the enterprise include installations for the production of high-pressure polyethylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, polystyrene, foaming benzene, purified pyrocondensate and ethylene evaporation, fraction of liquid pyrolysis products. The total production volume of the enterprise is more than 730 thousand tons per year. The accumulated processing volume of the Angarsk Polymer Plant is 25 million tons of raw materials.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 20, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212913/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Ski Track was held in four Russian cities

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft organized mass ski races in four cities of presence – Angarsk, Krasnoyarsk, Nefteyugansk and Ufa. More than 1800 people took part in the Rosneft Ski Race – employees of the Company’s enterprises and their family members.

    Support for mass sports is one of the key areas of social work of Rosneft Oil Company and its subsidiaries.

    The cross-country skiers competed in distances from 500 m to 10 km in six age categories. The youngest skier was only 3 years old, and the oldest athlete was 82 years old.

    The competitions were organized at a high level – with professional judging, medical care, awarding of winners and prize winners in all disciplines. Ski preparation areas, heated changing rooms and rest areas were also equipped. A cultural program and a children’s corner were provided for young skiers.

    The most massive corporate competitions are the Summer and Winter Sports Games, in which more than 20 thousand employees of the Company participate. “Rosneft Ski Track”, which was held for the first time, will become an annual event and will expand the geography of participants.

    Rosneft carries out large-scale work to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle among both its own employees and the population in the regions where the Company operates. Ice arenas, sports complexes and multifunctional sports grounds are built in the regions using funds from Rosneft and its subsidiaries. The Company provides support to amateur and professional sports.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 27, 2022

    Keywords: Social News 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213007/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, the photo exhibition “Attraction of the Arctic” opened

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The annual photo exhibition “Attraction of the Arctic” opened on Tverskoy Boulevard in Moscow. The photo exhibition was organized by Rosneft Oil Company together with the non-governmental development institute “Innopraktika”.

    The exhibition includes unique shots from the atlas “Russian Arctic. Space. Time. Resources” (a joint project of Rosneft and Innopraktika), photographs from Rosneft research expeditions and pictures of the Company’s facilities. Residents and guests of the capital will be able to see icy landscapes, large-scale polar research, the unique beauty of the Arctic and its amazing inhabitants, many of which are listed in the Red Book. The exhibition is open to everyone until January 30.

    Rosneft is implementing a comprehensive scientific research program in the Arctic region. Since 2012, the company has conducted more than 30 expeditions in five Arctic seas and collected a unique layer of information about this region. Geological, oceanographic, hydrometeorological and environmental research is carried out in cooperation with the country’s leading scientific institutes.

    In the fall of 2020, during a research expedition, the first stratigraphic drilling of wells in the Kara Sea in the history of continental shelf studies was carried out. In 2021 and 2022, Rosneft continued research in the waters of the Laptev Sea and the Chukchi Sea. The extracted core is being studied by specialists from Innopraktika at the Geological Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University. These studies are of great importance for understanding the geological structure of the Russian Arctic. In 2022, the stratigraphic drilling project was awarded a diploma as a laureate of the International Competition of Scientific, Scientific-Technical and Innovative Developments Aimed at the Development and Development of the Continental Shelf.

    Rosneft and the Russian Arctic National Park jointly implemented the Clean Arctic project to study the impact of economic activity during the Soviet era on Arctic ecosystems. This was the first time such a program was implemented in Russia.

    The results of many years of work on studying the Russian North are presented in the ecological atlases “Kara Sea”, “Laptev Sea”, “Marine Mammals of the Russian Arctic and Far East”, “Barents Sea”, “Species – Biological Indicators of the State of Marine Arctic Ecosystems”. This year, together with “Innopraktika”, the Company published the book “Rediscovering the Arctic”, dedicated to the results of expeditions and scientific research of the Arctic zone over 10 years.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 28, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213015/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Orenburgneft successfully tested the intelligent video surveillance system at production facilities

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Specialists from Orenburgneft, which is part of Rosneft’s production unit, have successfully tested an innovative domestic video surveillance system using machine learning and artificial intelligence technology. The system’s task is to monitor and control the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by employees on the territory of production facilities.

    Digitalization in all areas of the Company’s activities is one of the key objectives of the Rosneft-2030 strategy. The introduction of digital technologies increases the efficiency and speed of decision-making throughout the entire production chain.

    The intelligent video surveillance system made it possible to monitor the use of individual and collective PPE by workers at the production facility in real time. When violations are detected, the system automatically takes a screenshot of the frame and highlights the area of the violation in color. This information is sent to the responsible specialist, as well as to the data storage cloud.

    Video analytics is one of the most promising areas of digitalization of business processes based on machine vision technologies. Orenburgneft plans to use these technologies at production facilities to improve industrial safety.

    Reference:

    Orenburgneft is one of the largest production assets of Rosneft in the Volga Federal District. Cumulative production is more than 450 million tons of oil.

    To improve the efficiency of business processes, the company actively implements software packages from domestic manufacturers, including those developed by Rosneft research institutes. Since 2014, Orenburgneft has implemented about 50 software products of Russian manufacture.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 26, 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212989/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Bashneft Reduces Carbon Footprint in Bashkortostan

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Bashneft (part of Rosneft) has begun ground monitoring of methane emissions at the company’s production facilities using modern high-precision equipment. The company’s specialists have taken measurements using ground monitoring equipment at 29 industrial sites, thanks to which the carbon footprint at these facilities has been minimized.

    Progressive movement towards carbon neutrality is one of the important vectors of development of Rosneft Oil Company. The company aims to achieve leadership positions in the field of minimizing the impact of its production assets on the environment.

    The implementation of the Company’s promising project is being carried out in a key region for Bashneft by engineers from Bashneft-Dobycha LLC. A complex of high-tech equipment equipped with laser, ultrasonic and thermal imaging sensors allows specialists to identify and eliminate unregulated sources of greenhouse gas emissions at production facilities.

    The start of ground monitoring of methane emissions was a logical addition to the aerial monitoring that Bashkir oil workers began in 2021. Then, using domestic unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with laser gas analyzers, high-resolution photo and video cameras, 26 industrial facilities of the enterprise were surveyed. This year, ground and aerial monitoring has already been carried out at 56 facilities, including oil and gas treatment units of Bashneft-Dobycha LLC.

    Taking into account the experience and results obtained, Bashkir oil workers have developed an optimal program for monitoring methane emission sources, in accordance with which it is planned to study all the enterprise’s site facilities in 2023.

    Since 2019, Rosneft has been systematically implementing a comprehensive program to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The expansion of this program, as well as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, laser and thermal imaging scanning devices, and ultrasonic detectors help minimize the impact on the environment.

    Reference:

    Bashneft-Dobycha LLC is the key production asset of Bashneft Oil Company. It implements investment gas program measures aimed at reducing the impact of oil production on the environment and achieving a level of 95% rational use of associated petroleum gas.

    The implementation of the gas program allowed the enterprise to ensure 96% rational use of associated petroleum gas.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 27, 2022

    Keywords: Ecological news 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213005/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Kamala Harris maintains narrow lead in key states in US presidential race

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 49.3–46.2, a slight gain for Trump since last Monday, when Harris led Trump by 49.3–46.0.

    Joe Biden’s final position before his withdrawal as Democratic candidate on July 21 was a national poll deficit against Trump of 45.2–41.2.

    In economic data, the US added 254,000 jobs in September and the unemployment rate slid 0.1% to 4.1%. The unemployment rate had peaked at 4.3% in July.

    The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner-takes-all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).

    Relative to the national popular vote, the Electoral College is biased to Trump, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win to be the Electoral College favourite in Silver’s model.

    In the key states, Harris remains ahead in Silver’s poll aggregates by one to two points in Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes), Michigan (15), Wisconsin (ten) and Nevada (six). If Harris wins these four states, she probably wins the Electoral College by at least 276–262. Trump leads by 0.5 points in North Carolina (16 electoral votes), one point in Georgia (16) and 1.2 points in Arizona (11).



    Read more:
    Kamala Harris the slight favourite to win US election as she narrowly leads in key states

    In Silver’s model, Harris has a 56% chance to win the Electoral College, unchanged since last Monday’s article. The FiveThirtyEight model was more favourable to Harris in September, but now gives her a 55% chance to win. It’s close to a 50–50 probability for either candidate, but Harris remains a slight favourite.

    There are still more than four weeks to go until the election, so there’s time for the polls to change and for one candidate to have a decisive Electoral College advantage on election day. Or the polls could be understating either Harris or Trump, in which case the candidate that benefits from the poll error could have a decisive win.

    Thumping lead for LNP in Queensland

    The Queensland state election is on October 26. A Freshwater poll for The Financial Review, conducted September 26–29 from a sample of 1,067, gave the Liberal National Party (LNP) a 56–44 lead, a five-point gain for the LNP since the previous Freshwater poll in July 2023.

    Primary votes were 43% LNP (up three), 30% Labor (down four), 12% Greens (up one), 8% One Nation (up one) and 7% for all Others (down one).

    Labor Premier Steven Miles had a net approval of -5, while LNP leader David Crisafulli had a +15 net approval. Crisafulli led Miles by 46–38 as preferred premier.

    The poll asked about the federal leaders’ Queensland ratings, with Anthony Albanese at net -17, while Peter Dutton was at net zero. Queensland is a Coalition-friendly state at federal elections relative to the national results.

    Federal Newspoll quarterly data

    On September 30, The Australian released aggregate data for the four Newspolls taken from July to September, which had a combined sample size of 5,035. The Poll Bludger said the Coalition led in New South Wales by 51–49, unchanged on the June quarter.

    In Victoria, Labor led by 52–48, a two-point gain for the Coalition. In Queensland, the Coalition led by an unchanged 54–46. In Western Australia, Labor led by an unchanged 52–48. In South Australia, Labor led by 54–46, a one-point gain for Labor.

    The Poll Bludger’s BludgerTrack data shows the results by educational attainment. In the September quarter, Labor led by 53–47 among university-educated people, a one-point gain for Labor. With TAFE-educated people, there was a 50–50 tie, a one-point gain for the Coalition. Those with no tertiary education favoured the Coalition by 51–49, a one-point gain for the Coalition.

    Coalition gains lead in Morgan poll

    A national Morgan poll, conducted September 23–29 from a sample of 1,668, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a 1.5-point gain for the Coalition since the September 16–22 Morgan poll.

    Primary votes were 38% Coalition (up 0.5), 30% Labor (down two), 13.5% Greens (up one), 4.5% One Nation (down 0.5), 9.5% independents (steady) and 4.5% others (up one).

    The headline figure uses respondent preferences. But if preferences were assigned using the 2022 election flows, Labor led by 51.5–48.5, a 0.5-point gain for the Coalition. There was an unusually large gap last week between the two measures.

    Resolve poll on Middle East conflict

    Voting intentions have not yet been released from a national Resolve poll for Nine newspapers that was conducted October 1–5 from a sample of 1,606. Regarding the political response in Australia to the Middle East conflict, 22% thought Dutton and the Liberals had responded best, 18% Albanese and Labor and 6% Adam Bandt and the Greens, while 55% said none had responded best or were unsure.

    On Australia’s actions, 23% thought we should voice in-principle support for Israel, 12% Gaza and 65% both or none. On accepting refugees, 52% don’t want any refugees accepted, 24% would accept refugees from either Israel or Gaza, 13% Gaza only and 11% Israel only.

    Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Kamala Harris maintains narrow lead in key states in US presidential race – https://theconversation.com/kamala-harris-maintains-narrow-lead-in-key-states-in-us-presidential-race-240117

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Conducts Field Research of the Northern Forest Deer Population in the Tyumen Region

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    As part of the Rosneft program for biodiversity conservation, the first summer field studies of the reindeer population in the Tyumen region have been completed. The forest subspecies of the animal is under threat of extinction and is listed in the Red Book of the region.

    In 2022, RN-Uvatneftegaz, which is part of the Rosneft oil and gas production complex, together with the Tobolsk Complex Research Station of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, began implementing a long-term program to study and preserve the population of northern forest deer in the Uvatsky District of the Tyumen Region.

    The first field studies and their interpretation were conducted from May to October on an area of more than 62 thousand hectares (including within the license areas of RN-Uvatneftegaz). Based on the analysis of about 22 thousand high-resolution digital aerial photographs taken using unmanned aerial vehicles, the first encouraging results were obtained – individual forest reindeer (8 adults and 2 young of the year) were identified, as well as their numerous trails. The data indicate that the animals not only migrate across the territory of the Uvatsky District, but also breed here.

    Scientists have proposed measures aimed at preserving and further increasing the number of forest reindeer in the studied area, and have outlined a plan of specific activities for 2023, including the organization of artificial salt licks, the installation of camera traps to obtain more complete information about their lifestyle and characteristics, and conducting a winter route census of animals. Work on studying new areas is also planned.

    RN-Uvatneftegaz plans to use the research results in the development of the Uvat project fields as part of a set of measures aimed at preserving the disappearing symbol of the Siberian taiga.

    The company intends to pay special attention to environmental education work among the region’s population. Thus, this year, with the support of RN-Uvatneftegaz, a book about specially protected natural areas of the Tyumen Region was published for the first time. It included information about 102 nature reserves and monuments that form the ecological basis of the region, as well as the endangered and rare species of birds and animals living there, including the northern forest deer.

    Environmental protection is an integral part of the corporate culture and one of the key principles of Rosneft. The company has been a member of the UN Global Compact for over 10 years, confirming its commitment to the 17 UN goals in the field of sustainable development. Rosneft, as part of its Strategy, implements a number of programs to study and preserve flora and fauna in the regions of its presence. Since 2014, more than 20 projects have been completed, including research into rare animals, birds and fish, as well as the preservation of the national culture of indigenous peoples.

    Reference:

    RN-Uvatneftegaz is engaged in exploration and development of a group of fields located in Western Siberia in the Uvatsky District of the Tyumen Region. The Uvatsky project includes 19 licensed areas with a total area of over 25 thousand km2. Under the current agreement between Rosneft and the region, the company actively supports regional social programs and promotes the development of the Uvatsky District.

    In 2022, RN-Uvatneftegaz implemented a grant project to study the fauna and population status of red-listed bird species within the Irtysh River valley (Uvatsky District, Tyumen Region). During the expedition, scientists discovered representatives of 70 bird species belonging to 10 orders, including 11 rare and protected species.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 23, 2022

    Keywords: Ecological news 2022

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212985/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Townsend, Research Fellow, UQ School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland

    A new portrait of NRL legend Wally Lewis conveys a striking message about the consequences of brain trauma in sport.

    The portrait, created by visual artist Jamie van Leeuwen in cooperation with Lewis, is currently entered in the 2024 Brisbane Portrait Prize.

    It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional photography to depict Lewis contemplating his own brain, prompting viewers to consider the consequences of athletes subjecting their bodies (and brains) to a lifetime of physical trauma in contact sports.

    It further suggests that art has an important role to play in science communication.

    Heavy lies the crown

    Lewis is one of Queensland’s most beloved figures and one of Australia’s greatest rugby league players.

    His intelligence was matched by a rugged playing style. He thrilled crowds by appearing to relish hard tackles and seeking confrontation.

    Lewis’ State of Origin performances for Queensland, the Australian representative team, and multiple clubs earned him the nickname “The King” and the “Emperor of Lang Park,” where he is celebrated with a life-size statue.

    In short, it is difficult to overstate the affection many Queenslanders have for Lewis and the magnitude of his reputation in the Australian rugby league community.

    The King speaks

    Although rugby league gave a lot to Lewis, it also took a heavy toll.

    After retiring he moved into broadcasting, becoming the long-term sports anchor for Channel Nine in Queensland.

    In late 2006, he had two successive epileptic episodes on live television.

    Following the second episode, Lewis announced publicly that he had been diagnosed with epilepsy during his playing career but hid the condition for decades. He further revealed his epilepsy was caused by repeated concussions.

    Wally Lewis has spoken out about his epilepsy struggles.

    More recently, Lewis has become one of the most prominent figures in the broader conversation around brain trauma in sport, particularly following his 2023 diagnosis of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), the symptomatic precursor of the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

    This diagnosis is likely linked to his lifetime accumulation of brain trauma in rugby league.

    Who is listening?

    Many Australian sports and athletes are being impacted by concussion, with a cacophony of experts and advocates attempting to make themselves heard.

    Scientists, researchers, doctors, athletes, parents, families, and politicians are all straining to communicate the potentially serious consequences of brain trauma to the sporting public.

    This portrait of Lewis cuts through the noise and conveys a complex and sometimes controversial narrative: the neurological consequences of contact sport can outweigh its benefits.

    This is a particularly fraught conversation in light of a recent study that argued the opposite.

    The King’s Battle

    The portrait conveys the duality of contact sport in an instant.

    As the artist states, the meaning of the piece is “about legacy […] both sides of legacy.”

    Lewis’ successes are evidenced by the 1987 Maroons jersey he wears and the crown atop his head.

    The costs are equally visible.

    His wearied expression, the blood and grime on his collar and the disembodied brain resting in his palms prompt the viewer to imagine Lewis’s thoughts.

    Is he re-imagining past victories? Planning an uncertain future? Harbouring fears for his fellow athletes?

    After viewing the image for the first time, Lewis said:

    It pretty much tells the story straight away […] there is great hope in the future that I’m going to be able to deal with some of the difficulties.

    The image is emotionally freighted in a way that researchers and medical practitioners usually try to avoid, particularly in discussions about sports concussion where advocates for player safety have been accused of being overly emotional or scare-mongering.

    The King’s Battle reminds us brain trauma is an emotional issue as much as a scientific one.

    As ANU science media researcher Matt Ventresca says, some of the most effective advocates for player welfare are former and current athletes who “in the absence of scientific certainty, express fear about the health of their brains.”

    Art and the future of science

    Arts and science are often viewed as contradictory, but creative expressions like The King’s Battle should play a role in science communication.

    Think Susan Sontag’s brilliant essay Illness as Metaphor or the haunting lyrical description of cancer in Blood by Australian band The Middle East.

    “Blood”, by Australian indie band The Middle East, became the band’s signature song.

    The concussion crisis is a potent space for artistic representation – the 2015 film Concussion starring Will Smith is a landmark in public perceptions of brain trauma in sport.

    The upcoming ABC television program Plum also tells the story of a brain damaged former sports star.

    A 2024 portrait of former Australian NFL player Colin Scotts shows the consequences of a life in contact sport.

    Artistic representations such as The King’s Battle are important because they bring home the consequences of brain trauma in ways that traditional science communication struggles to achieve.

    It reminds us that understanding the emotion of health is just as important as understanding its scientific and medical aspects.

    For CTE researchers, van Leeuwen’s portrait also carries abstract echoes of another hope for the future.

    His use of AI technology to disembody Lewis’ brain in the artwork is reminiscent of current methods of CTE diagnosis: post-mortem removal and dissection of the brain.

    The difference in The King’s Battle is that Lewis can look on the damage done to his brain while still very much alive.

    In much the same way, we hope in the near future that technological advances will allow us to see CTE in the brains of living athletes and help them to live better lives with the disease.

    Alan Pearce is currently unfunded. Alan is a non-executive director for the Concussion Legacy Foundation (unpaid position) and Adjunct research manager for the Australian Sports Brain Bank (unpaid position). He has previously received funding from Erasmus+ strategic partnerships program (2019-1-IE01-KA202-051555), Sports Health Check Charity (Australia), Australian Football League, Impact Technologies Inc., and Samsung Corporation, and is remunerated for expert advice to medico-legal practices.

    Stephen Townsend does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia – https://theconversation.com/why-a-portrait-of-a-former-nrl-great-could-spark-greater-concussion-awareness-in-australia-238882

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NASA is launching a major mission to look for habitable spots on Jupiter’s moon Europa

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Lloyd, Research Fellow, ARC CoE Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia

    Illustration of the spacecraft above Europa’s icy surface. NASA/JPL-Caltech

    On October 10, NASA is launching a hotly anticipated new mission to Jupiter’s fourth-largest moon, Europa.

    Called Europa Clipper, the spacecraft will conduct a detailed study of the moon, looking for potential places where Europa might host alien life.

    It’s the largest planetary exploration spacecraft NASA has ever made: as wide as a basketball court when its solar sails are unfolded. It has a mass of about 6,000 kilograms – the weight of a large African elephant.

    But why are we sending a hulking spacecraft all the way to Europa?

    Looking for life away from Earth

    The search for life in places other than Earth usually focuses on our neighbour Mars, a planet that’s technically in the “habitable zone” of our Solar System. But Mars is not an attractive place to live, due to its lack of atmosphere and high levels of radiation. However, it’s close to Earth, making it relatively easy to send missions to explore it.

    But there are other places in the Solar System that could support life – some of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. Why? They have liquid water.

    Here on Earth, water is the solvent of life: water dissolves salts and sugars, and facilitates the chemical reactions needed for life on Earth to proceed. It’s possible life forms exist elsewhere that rely on liquid methane or carbon dioxide or something else, but life as we know it uses water.

    The reason there’s liquid water so far out in the Solar System is because Jupiter and Saturn, the gas giants, wield immense gravitational power over their moons.

    Saturn’s moons, Titan and Enceladus, are stretched and compressed by gravity as they go around their host planet. This movement results in vast underground oceans with a surface of solid ice, with plumes of water vapour exploding 9,600 kilometres from the surface.

    It is strongly suspected that Europa is the same. While we know a lot about Europa from more than four centuries of observation, we have not confirmed it has an under-ice liquid ocean like Titan and Enceladus.

    But all clues point to yes. Europa has a smooth surface despite being hit by many meteors, suggesting the surface is young, recently replaced. Ice volcanoes raining down water over the surface would make sense.

    It also has a magnetic field, suggesting that like Earth, Europa has a liquid layer inside (on Earth, this liquid is molten rock).

    This artist’s concept (not to scale) shows what Europa’s insides might look like: an outer shell of ice, perhaps with plumes venting out; a deep layer of liquid water; and a rocky interior, potentially with hydrothermal vents on the seafloor.
    NASA/JPL-Caltech

    What will Europa Clipper do?

    At the surface, Europa is bombarded by high levels of space radiation, concentrated by Jupiter. But deeper down, the thick ice sheet could be protecting life in the liquid subsurface ocean.

    This means it would be difficult for us to find concrete evidence for life without drilling down deep. But where to look? Through flybys of the icy moon, Europa Clipper will be looking at areas where life could be dwelling under the icy shell.

    To achieve this, Europa Clipper has nine scientific instruments. These include a wide-angle camera to study geologic activity and a thermal imaging system to measure surface texture and detect warmer regions on the surface.

    There’s also a spectrometer for looking at the chemical composition of the gases and surface of Europa, and for any explosive plumes of water from the surface. The mission also has tools for mapping the moon’s surface.

    Other instruments will measure the depth and salt levels of the moon’s ocean and the thickness of its ice shell, and also how Europa flexes within the strong gravitational pull of Jupiter.

    Excitingly, a mass spectrometer will analyse the gases of the moon’s faint atmosphere and potential plumes of water. By examining the material ejected from the plumes, we can understand what is hidden within the under-ice oceans of Europa.

    A dust analyser will also look at matter that has been ejected from Europa’s surface by tiny meteorites or released from the plumes.

    Unfortunately, we will have to wait a while for any discoveries. Europa Clipper will take more than five years to reach Jupiter. And the mission is only equipped to look for the potential of life, not life itself. If we see evidence that might point towards life, we will need future missions to return and explore Europa in depth.

    So we must be patient. But this is an exciting opportunity for humanity to get one step closer to find life beyond our own home planet.

    James Lloyd does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. NASA is launching a major mission to look for habitable spots on Jupiter’s moon Europa – https://theconversation.com/nasa-is-launching-a-major-mission-to-look-for-habitable-spots-on-jupiters-moon-europa-239928

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment

    Source: Green Party

    The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. 

    “The government is set to unleash environmental destruction across Aotearoa, while using some potentially worthy projects as a diversion,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham.

    “Our environment forms the foundation for life as we know it. By looking after nature, we look after ourselves. We need to move on from the archaic, exploitative and extractive approach that has already seen us lose so much.

    “However, the Government is selling out to big business by effectively putting our environment up for auction. 

    “From the outset, this shadowy legislation has been shrouded in smoke and mirrors while public scrutiny and due democratic process have been completely shut out. 

    “What we see in this list is a number of projects that will have long-lasting and potentially irreversible impacts on the environment. Talk of renewable energy and housing – which could be consented under current processes –  are nothing more than a smokescreen to the environmental vandalism this is set to unleash. 

    “The fast track still has the power to bulldoze through environmental protections and set aside previous court rulings that declined projects due to their serious environmental harm. The Government is trying to gaslight us all into thinking we need this legislation to build nice things – we don’t. This isn’t about building a better future, it’s all about handouts to big business. 

    “We are deeply concerned that projects with massive, irreversible environmental effects – like seabed mining by Trans-Tasman Resources in a marine mammal sanctuary, or gold mine expansion that threatens the future of an entire forest in the Coromandel, are included in the list of projects. Extending the Bathurst coal mine in Buller and digging an open-cast mine in Central Otago during a climate crisis is beyond irresponsible.  

    “To make things abundantly clear to companies and potential investors out there looking to profit from this legislation in a way that destroys our precious environment: You need to know that a Green Government will review consents, and revoke those with significant harm,” says Lan Pham. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –