ALLMAN-WARD, PATRICK, Chief Geologist, Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn. Bhd.

Abstract: An Integrated Approach to Resolving the Subsurface Deepwater Challenges in Brunei

The key hydrocarbon play in Brunei's deepwater is marine turbidites. This paper mentions case histories within the current concession areas of Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Shell Petroleum and its competitors have drilled a number of wells in Brunei waters targeting turbidite reservoirs, so far with rather variable results in terms of reservoir development. The only sizeable deepwater finds to date have been BSP's Merpati and Meragi gas/condensate discoveries, drilled in 1992 and 1998, and Elf/FCE's Perdana oil discovery. BSP is going to continue exploration drilling in the area to increase its knowledge of this frontier province and the size of the potentially developable reserves base.

A number of key subsurface challenges will have to be addressed and overcome before commercially viable deepwater development projects can be matured. These key challenges can be met by creating and updating a clear geological model which aims to describe the sand distribution from the regional scale down to the level of individual reservoirs, for which the availability of 3D seismic data is essential. It requires the integration of geological and geophysical data and techniques from a regional down to seismic loop level scale, together with the use of appropriate field analogues and outcrop data. The wide range of skills and knowledge required to achieve this understanding, and the tight time-frame required for maximising returns on investment, means that success can only be achieved through leveraging international expertise and by taking a multi-disciplinary team approach. 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90923@1999 International Conference and Exhibition, Birmingham, England