How do you create clarity in a fractured geological narrative?

Challenge

A recently acquired oil field in Norway presented more questions than answers. The new operator approached us for support: key regional studies had not been included in the acquisition, leaving important gaps in their understanding of the field’s geological setting.

Our client needed fresh eyes on the bigger picture – including depositional systems, fault behaviour and oil migration patterns – to make sense of the current oil contact and identify where leakage might have occurred in the past. Additionally, a coherent regional model could shed light on remaining prospectivity nearby. 

Approach

We mobilised a multidisciplinary team, combining client seismic with Ecteras’ extensive subsurface database and interpretations. Experts in petroleum systems, structural geology, geophysics, geopressure, biostratigraphy and sedimentology worked closely with seismic interpreters to build a unified understanding of the subsurface.

A bottom-up approach ensured that structural controls were well constrained before integrating observations across disciplines. High-end software tools supported the analysis, but it was careful planning and agile project management that kept the research effort on track – enabling the right people to contribute at the right time.

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Result

Delivered on time, the project provided the client with a greatly improved understanding of the field and surrounding area. A new depositional model was proposed – significantly different from what had previously been published – and later supported by well results. 

Two new prospects were identified and matured as part of the study, and subsequently applied for in APA on the client’s behalf. The leakage point was also located, and all data now support one coherent geological story. 

The full findings were documented in a 300+ page report, published in book format – giving the client a solid reference base and a shared foundation for future decisions.