KIEV, April 26 - A sea-based natural gas rig, purchased by Ukraine’s state-owned ChornomorNaftoGaz about a year ago from Singapore, is expected to arrive in Ukraine on May 1, Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yuriy Boyko said Thursday.

The rig, for which ChornomorNaftoGaz paid $400 million, is the first of two sea platforms that have been purchased by the company over the past 12 months as Ukraine seeks to boost natural gas output.

“By using the new platforms, we will produce extra 250 million cubic meters of gas by the end of this year,” Boyko told reporters.

The second rig is expected to arrive later this year, officials have said.