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This paper showcases the tailored initiatives undertaken in a different economic climate in view of low oil price in maturing and capturing potential development opportunities for a large-sized, brownfield asset. The subject field is mature, having over 250 wells with over 20 years of production history and approaching its end of economic life. The study emphasized pursuit of a fast and cost-effective approach in identification of several potential behind-casing recompletion opportunities in addition to multiple infill drilling opportunities. From well log observation to seismic interpretation, and from material balance to simulation modeling, the approaches utilized were tailored based on the level of reservoir complexities. Lower cost, lower risk, behind pipe opportunities had previously not been a focus or thoroughly assessed since the company had focused on infill drilling opportunities. A robust execution plan, minimizing rig moves, was also prepared to synergize the ongoing and planned infill drilling campaigns in the field. An infill drilling well proposal was approved as part of the 2014 Field Development Plan (FDP) update with regulators. This plan was subsequently deferred due to drop in oil price resulting lower economics. However, with the field approaching the end of its economic producing life, a revisit of potential opportunities was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team. Results of the more recent opportunities identification and successful drilling campaigns have revived the proposal for the infill well given the synergies with rig utilization. The team went through a simplified governance process on the FDP, revisiting the simulation model and proposed to drill a horizontal infill production well instead of dual-string deviated well (originally envisioned for long string as an infill producer in the target reservoir and short string completed as a water injector in a different reservoir). Due to further well performance analysis, injection support on the other reservoir was no longer deemed necessary. The team analysis for arriving at this optimization as well as the behind-casing recompletion opportunities will be shared in this paper. This is a case study on how assimilated and innovative approaches undertaken in a different economic climate can be crucial to accelerate a brownfield re-development to extend the economic life of a mature producing field. A multi-disciplinary team applied creative thinking and cooperative efforts to a mature field to revive economic viability. Revisiting previously identified opportunities in the context of a low oil price environment and a simplified regulatory governance process, cross functional and cooperative technical and financial team work were important in facilitating timely decisions needed to move forward. A similar approach will be undertaken for future work in other fields. |
