Oceanida, a microbial treatment developed by Rosneft as an environmental innovation, has received a positive conclusion from the state environmental expert review.  The treatment is designed for effective and safe remediation of hydrocarbon contamination in the waters of the Arctic region. The expert commission has determined that the innovation meets all requirements for environmental protection. The conclusion was approved by order of Rosprirodnadzor.

The biopreparation is the product of years of rigorous scientific research. Rosneft's Arctic Research Centre developed it in partnership with Innopraktika, working from laboratories at the Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University.  At its core are psychrophilic microorganisms—cold-adapted bacteria that consume hydrocarbons as food source.

Specialists mounted several Arctic expeditions to isolate indigenous microbial strains with the strongest oil-degrading properties. They then engineered a delivery system: shell-coated granules housing dormant bacterial cells alongside the nutrients needed to kickstart their activity.

Comprehensive safety testing covered impacts on humans, wildlife, and marine ecosystems.  Oceanida's effectiveness has been proven not only under laboratory conditions but also through field trials at the White Sea Biological Station of Lomonosov Moscow State University.  Hydrocarbon reduction reaches up to 36.7% over 45 days even at temperatures of −1.5°C. Based on the obtained data regarding the development's safety for marine ecosystems, the environmental expert review confirmed the possibility of applying Oceanida treatment in the waters of the Arctic region.

Care for the environment while conducting business activities is one of Rosneft's key priorities. The application of advanced biotechnological solutions will enable effective and environmentally safe elimination of consequences from hydrocarbon contamination of any type, particularly so-called "chronic pollution" that occurs as a result of maritime transport operations.

Department of Information and Advertising
Rosneft
October 14, 2025

Keywords: Environmental news 2025