--> Ship Shoal 113/South Pelta 20 Fields: Detection of Subtle Traps Utilizing 3-D Technology and Detailed Development Geologic Practices, by J. Bailey and R. J. Chassaniol; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Ship Shoal 113/South Pelto 20 Fields: Detection of Subtle Traps Utilizing 3-D Technology and Detailed Development Geologic Practices

James Bailey, Ronald J. Chassaniol

Ship Shoal Block 113 field and South Pelto Block 20 field are located +/-100 miles SW of New Orleans, Louisiana in 30^prime-50^prime of water. To date, over 374 wells have yielded 144 MMBO and 446 BCFG from lower Pleistocene to Upper Miocene sands (2000^prime-15,000^prime). Production is primarily from complexly faulted structural traps (domal and inter-domal) associated with episodic salt movement throughout the Late Miocene to Pleistocene time.

Detection of these fields was based on gravity data. Development of the fields evolved to include the integration of all well information into fair-good quality 2-D seismic data and ultimately into a state-of-the-art 3-D seismic survey, which was acquired in April, 1988 (Ship Shoal) and January, 1991 (South Pelto).

Through October, 1991, 21 wells had been drilled in Ship Shoal 113 based on 3-D interpretation, with a 90 percent success rate. All wells were amplitude supported and were primarily structurally controlled traps. With amplitude supported prospects waning, a comprehensive effort was undertaken utilizing an interactive 3-D workstation to detect subtle non-amplitude related structural traps along the flanks of these domes.

In November, 1991 the Ship Shoal Block 113 "N-2" well was successfully drilled and completed in a subtle salt overhang play, with no amplitude support. The well encountered 85^prime net oil in 2 Upper Pliocene sands prior to penetrating salt. Subsequently, five salt flank locations were drilled in these fields (four successful). Additional "domal" tests will be drilled in the upcoming year.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994