Rosneft Launches the ‘Smart Settlement’ Project at the Priobskoye Oilfield
The project aims to modernize the infrastructure of 11 shift settlements, transforming the living and working conditions of 2.5 thousand employees and contractors
From Production Modernization to Quality-of-Life Modernization
Rosneft’s success in deploying smart technologies at industrial sites has naturally led to an overhaul of the company’s social and residential infrastructure. The Smart Settlement project at the Priobskoye oilfield in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug (KhMAO) goes far beyond updating dormitories.
It represents an attempt to build a full-scale corporate digital ecosystem for rotational workers, integrating comfort, social services, education, healthcare, and recreation.
Unlike conventional shift housing, the new modular living units include advanced equipment for daily life and rest and are connected by heated passages—critical for harsh northern climates. The digital infrastructure provides previously unavailable services: remote learning systems, VR/AR-based training, telemedicine, digital gyms, upgraded dining facilities, cafés, and convenience stores. Consistent access to high‑bandwidth internet makes possible IP television, e-libraries, info‑kiosks, gaming rooms, and cinemas.
Entertainment Optional, Digital Services Essential
The project is implemented by RN‑Yuganskneftegaz, Rosneft’s flagship production enterprise. Today, rotational workers have access to virtual‑reality training and telemedicine. The infrastructure of all 11 shift settlements has been unified into a single corporate standard, including 48 modern dormitories and social facilities.
Continuous skills development is central to the project. VR/AR systems allow employees to learn directly at their workplaces. For health and medical support, telemedicine connects on‑site medical stations with leading clinics across Russia. For recreation, workers can access digital TV, online libraries, and streaming services over wireless internet. Game rooms, cinemas, and billiard halls have also been equipped.
First in the Cycle
RN‑Yuganskneftegaz contributes roughly 30% of Rosneft’s total production, making it both a high‑density and technologically advanced site—ideal for a pilot model of modern social infrastructure. The project improves not only living conditions but also the quality of service. The settlements operate 63 hot‑meal dining facilities with a combined capacity of 5,500 visitors per day. Smart checkouts support contactless payment, reducing wait times and improving sanitary conditions.
The Smart Settlement system integrates modern digital and engineering solutions through an industrial IoT network. Rosneft has secured a state patent for the system “Smart Settlement Management.” All digital technologies used during construction rely exclusively on innovations from Russian manufacturers and developers from partner countries.
In total, 25 advanced digital technologies have been deployed. The model can later be replicated at other production sites.
Not the Only Example
Other companies are following similar paths. In Yakutia, RNG JSC is deploying smart facilities at the Yuzhno‑Syuldyukarsky license area, featuring climate‑control systems, smart appliances, and fully equipped bathrooms. In the KhMAO region, Gazpromneft‑Khantos has also implemented advanced digital housing standards for shift workers.
The Nenets Autonomous Okrug’s development strategy through 2030 includes modernizing social infrastructure to attract and retain personnel in the High North. Although these initiatives vary in technological sophistication, they reflect a unified trend across the extractive industry.
