Base oils from Gazprom Nefts Omsk base oil refinery will be used as a feedstock, according to the agreement. Marine oils will be produced in the companys Omsk and Moscow (Fryazino) blending plants, Gazprom Neft said, adding that it is the first Russian oil major to enter Chevrons global lubricants supply network.

Gazprom Neft-SMs production facilities in Omsk and Fryazino have received all necessary certifications and permits to comply with the Chevron licensing agreement. Formulas of the marine oils have already received approvals from the leading ship engine manufacturers, such as MAN-B&W, Sulzer, Wartsila, Caterpillar, Deutz, AMM and Rolls-Royce, according to Gazprom Neft.

First batches of the Texaco-branded marine oils made in Russia will be ready in the coming days. Very soon these oils will be marketed in the key ports of the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the company said.

Gazprom Neft-SM will open a marketing logistics branch in St. Petersburg, Russias northern capital and an important Russian port in the Baltic Sea. It will allow us to effectively transport and warehouse the marine lubricants, the company said.

The beginning of marine oil production is a major step in the development of Gazprom Nefts lubricants business, said Levan Kadagidze, head of the companys commercial department. The partnership with one of the world leaders in production of marine oils will help [our] company to gain new experience and modern production technologies, he said.