Assessment of Hydrocarbons Generated and their Preservation Through Integrated Geological Geochemical Modeling in the Central Gulf of Suez, Egypt

By

Ahmed Nabil Shahin¹, Lobna M. Sharaf², Mosaad M. el-Leboudy³

(1) Alamein Petroleum Company, Cairo, Egypt (2) Ain Shams University, Cairo, (3) Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company, Cairo, Egypt

 Seven time rock units were identified and characterized in the central Gulf of Suez as sources of hydrocarbons. These are Mheiherrat, Thebes, Esna, Lower Sudr (Brown Limestone), Matulla-Wata, Abu Qada-Raha formations, and Nubia “B” lithostratigraphic unit. The Thebes and Lower Sudr formations are the most prolific effective source rocks for generating oil and minor gas. Three oil generating and expelling troughs are recognized and delineated in the area namely: South Belayim, East Ramadan and East July troughs. The time of hydrocarbon expulsion postdates the main disturbing tectonic events affected the area. Such timing, relative to the timing of the structural events, is excellent for the preservation of hydrocarbons. The prevailing northeast dip regime in the Central Gulf of Suez controls the migration paths of the expelled hydrocarbons towards the southwest. The above-mentioned troughs are considered the main feeding source to the producing oil fields in the area. The estimated ultimate recoverable reserves from the generating troughs are 2.7 billion oil equivalent barrels (boeb), while the proven ultimate recoverable reserves from all producing oil fields in the area are only 1.2 boeb. The remaining undiscovered oil (1.5 boeb) is expected to have been accumulated in the northern and northwestern extensions of July Field and near SG300 Field. Recent discoveries in both fields, made by the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (Gupco), are online with the conclusions reached in this work. Other prospective areas are recommended for further exploration.