A Rosneft sponsored scientific expedition on the Professor Molchanov will explore the geological features on three licensed seabed sites in the Laptev Sea, the company website reports.

Scientists will use deck-mounted and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data on the geological features of the seabed and its makeup. Biological research, including sea mammal and bird monitoring, will also be conducted.

The company will use the data for conceptual forecasting and to design plans for geological exploration on the sites in the course of their development.

All operations will be carried out under the increased environmental and industrial security requirements, a spokesman for the Information Policy Directorate added.