Speaking this week in Moscow, Panov said the company is aiming to sign long-term joint co-operation agreements with local heavyweight players, such as private operator Lukoil, as well as state-owned giants Rosneft and Gazprom.

Negotiations with Lukoil are at an advanced stage, with Rosgeologia hoping to provide seismic and other appraisal services to the oil company on its offshore blocks in the Caspian Sea, said Panov.

Rosgeologia