How do you spot what’s hiding in the fault zones?

Challenge

A client considering farming into several producing fields asked for our subsurface expertise to assess their technical quality and commercial value.

One of the fields – let’s call it Field X – had just started producing. But even before reaching plateau, there were early signs of water production.

The emerging water had not yet been picked up by the operator, but turned out to be crucial for our client’s deal.

Approach

To evaluate Field X, we applied our extensive subsurface database and existing interpretations – placing the field efficiently within a broader geological framework.

The early water production triggered a hypothesis: Could the local and regional fault orientations explain why water was appearing sooner than expected? And if so – what would that mean for future production performance?

By combining structural geology expertise with production data, we explored how open and closed faults could impact connectivity and production potential. 

Is your company considering farming into existing production? Reach out and let’s discuss how we can support you.

Result

Our analysis suggested that Field X’s production outlook was too optimistic. We adjusted the valuation down by 25%, and the client chose not to proceed with the farm-in.

We still track the field’s production – and the forecast made by our expert in reservoir engineering Lex Rijkels has proven spot on. 

The client may not have gained new production from this field, but they likely avoided an investment with limited upside.