Ukrnafta Maps 1,211 Square Kilometers via 3D Seismic Surveys to Optimize Nationwide Drilling Efficiency

Ukrnafta optimizes its 2026-2027 drilling schedule using 3D seismic data and wireless surveys to boost Ukraine’s oil production efficiency and reduce risks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 9:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Interfax-Ukraine

Advanced Seismic Campaigns Reshape Exploration Strategy

The modernization of Ukraine’s upstream energy sector has reached a significant milestone as JSC Ukrnafta concludes an expansive geophysical research cycle. Over the past twenty four months, the company successfully mapped 1,211 square kilometers of subsurface structures, utilizing high resolution 3D seismic technology to eliminate traditional guesswork in field development. The campaign saw a steady ramp up in technical intensity, with 582 square kilometers surveyed in 2024 followed by an additional 629 square kilometers throughout 2025. This systematic approach marks a departure from legacy exploration methods, prioritizing data density to secure the nation’s energy independence.

Technological Firsts in Rugged Territorial Surveys

Innovation served as the cornerstone of the 2024 research phase, which featured the first deployment of wireless seismic survey technology in Ukraine. According to company technical reports, this specialized equipment allowed teams to navigate complex terrains that previously hindered traditional cabled systems. By removing the physical constraints of heavy wiring, Ukrnafta was able to maintain rigorous data collection standards in environmentally challenging areas. This technological leap has provided the company with a cleaner, more accurate dataset that now serves as the foundation for all future infrastructure investments.

Geological Precision Driving High Flow Returns

The practical application of this data is already yielding tangible results at the wellhead. Bohdan Kukura, Chairman of the Board of JSC Ukrnafta, confirmed that research has been successfully completed at nine distinct fields and two promising sites. By processing and interpreting this 3D data, the company has refined its geological and hydrodynamic models, allowing engineers to identify specific high potential blocks. One well designed under this updated model has already been commissioned, delivering a high flow rate that validates the company's shift toward data driven decision making.