VO L U M E 3 6 I I S S U E 7 I J U LY 2 018
SPECIAL TOPIC
Unconventionals & Carbon Capture and Storage EAGE NEWS Exceptional year for EAGE Awards TECHNICAL ARTICLE Increasing confidence in reef interpretation using dip angle gathers analysis
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FIRST BREAK® An EAGE Publication
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD Peter Rowbotham (Peter.Rowbotham@apachecorp.com) EDITOR Damian Arnold (editorfb@eage.org) MEMBERS, EDITORIAL BOARD • Paul Binns, consultant (pebinns@btinternet.com) • Patrick Corbett, Heriot-Watt University (patrick_corbett@pet.hw.ac.uk) • Tom Davis, Colorado School of Mines (tdavis@mines.edu) • Anthony Day, PGS (anthony.day@pgs.com) • Peter Dromgoole, Statoil UK (pdrum@statoil.com) • Rutger Gras, Oranje-Nassau Energy (gras@onebv.com) • Hamidreza Hamdi, University of Calgary (hhamdi@ucalgary.ca) • Ed Kragh, Schlumberger Cambridge Research (edkragh@slb.com) • John Reynolds, Reynolds International (jmr@reynolds-international.co.uk) • James Rickett, Schlumberger (jrickett@slb.com) • Dave Stewart, Dave Stewart Geoconsulting Ltd (djstewart.dave@gmail.com) • Femke Vossepoel, Delft University of Technology (f.c.vossepoel@tudelft.nl) MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER Thomas Beentje (tbe@eage.org) ACCOUNT MANAGER ADVERTISING Charles Callaghan (ccn@eage.org)
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Model-based interbed multiple attenuation
Editorial Contents 3
EAGE News
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Crosstalk
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Industry News
Technical Article 37
ACCOUNT MANAGER SUBSCRIPTIONS Jack McClean (jmn@eage.org) PRODUCTION Saskia Nota (layout@eage.org) Ivana Geurts (layout@eage.org) EAGE EUROPE OFFICE PO Box 59 3990 DB Houten The Netherlands • +31 88 995 5055 • eage@eage.org • www.eage.org EAGE RUSSIA & CIS OFFICE EAGE Russia & CIS Office EAGE Geomodel LLC Novocheremushkinskaya Str. 65 Build. 1 117418, Moscow, Russia • +7 495 640 2008 • moscow@eage.org • www.eage.ru EAGE MIDDLE EAST OFFICE EAGE Middle East FZ-LLC Dubai Knowledge Village Block 13 Office F-25 PO Box 501711 Dubai, United Arab Emirates • +971 4 369 3897 • middle_east@eage.org • www.eage.org EAGE ASIA PACIFIC OFFICE UOA Centre Office Suite 19-15-3A No. 19, Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia • +60 3 272 201 40 • asiapacific@eage.org • www.eage.org
Increasing confidence in reef interpretation using dip angle gathers analysis Konstantin Smirnov, Elena Voronovicheva, Yulia Protkova, Victoriya Sablina and Gennady Kalinichenko
Special Topic: Unconventionals & Carbon Capture and Storage 45
Model-based interbed multiple attenuation: a case study of Najmah reservoir, North Kuwait Jurassic Noor C. Wibowo, Thomas L. Davis and Bruce VerWest
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Using surface drilling data for a geologically and geomechanically constrained 3D planar frac simulator and fast reservoir simulation — application to engineered completions and well interference prevention A. Ouenes, D. Elmadhun1, S. Soza, X. Li, R. Smaoui
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Advanced surface logging technology for unconventional plays: well-site applications in tight reservoirs A. Pozzi and F. Casal
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Mission Innovation task force reports on enabling Gigatonne-scale CO2 storage Phil Ringrose and Curt Oldenburg
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Improved vertical stress profiling for unconventional reservoirs Tom Bratton and Mike Soroka
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Calendar
EAGE LATIN AMERICA OFFICE Carrera 14 No 97-63 Piso 5 Bogotá, Colombia • +57 1 4232948 • americas@eage.org • www.eage.org EAGE MEMBERS CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTIFICATION Send to: EAGE Membership Dept at EAGE Office (address above) FIRST BREAK ON THE WEB www.firstbreak.org ISSN 0263-5046 (print) / ISSN 1365-2397 (online)
cover: The Sleipner A platform. Part of the Sleipner Field is used for carbon capture and storage. Ringrose et al report on findings of a CCS taskforce on p. 67-71 (photo courtesy of Statoil/Øyvind Hagen).
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European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
Board 2018-2019 Jean-Jacques Biteau President
Near Surface Geoscience Division George Apostolopoulos Chair Alireza Malehmir Vice-Chair Micki Allen Contact Officer EEGS-NA Riyadh Al-Saad O&G Liaison Xavier Garcia Committee Member Peter Bergmann Technical Programme Representative Albert Casas Membership Officer Ranajit Ghose Editor in Chief Near Surface Geophysics Musa Manzi Committee Member Andreas Kathage Liaison Officer First Break Koya Suto Liaison Asia Pacific Musa Manzi Committee Member Jiangha Xia Liaison China
Oil & Gas Geoscience Division
Peter Lloyd Vice-President-Elect
Michael Poppelreiter Vi c e-President
Colin MacBeth Education Officer
Caroline Jane Lowrey Chair Michael Peter Suess Vice-Chair Øistein Bøe Resource Evaluation Committee liaison Phil Christie Chief Editor Petroleum Geoscience Rick Donselaar Technical Programme Representative (Geology) Xavier Garcia NSGD liaison Sebastian Geiger Resource Evaluation Committee liaison Olivier Gosselin Technical Programme Representative (Reservoir), Resource Evaluation Committee liaison Juliane Heiland Committee member David Halliday Technical Programme Representative (Geophysics), YP liaison Tijmen Jan Moser Editor-in-Chief Geophysical Prospecting Ann Muggeridge IOR Committee liaison Walter Rietveld Technical Programme Officer Michael Welch Technical Programme Representative (Geology), NSGD liaison Martin Widmaier Technical Programme Representative (Geophysics) Paul Worthington Resource Evaluation Committee liaison Michael Zhdanov NSGD liaison Conor Ryan Resource evaluation committee Francesco Perrone Young professionals liason
SUBSCRIPTIONS First Break is published monthly. It is free to EAGE members. The membership fee of EAGE is € 50.00 a year (including First Break, EarthDoc (EAGE’s geoscience database), Learning Geoscience (EAGE’s Education website) and online access to a scientific journal. Caroline Le Turdu Membership and Cooperation Officer
Ingrid Magnus Publications Officer
Everhard Muijzert Secretary-Treasurer
Companies can subscribe to First Break via an institutional subscription. Every subscription includes a monthly hard copy and online access to the full First Break archive for the requested number of online users. Orders for current subscriptions and back issues should be sent to EAGE Publications BV, Journal Subscriptions, PO Box 59, 3990 DB, Houten, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 (0)88 9955055, E-mail: subscriptions@eage.org, www.firstbreak.org. First Break is published by EAGE Publications BV, The Netherlands. However, responsibility for the opinions given and the statements made rests with the authors. COPYRIGHT & PHOTOCOPYING © 2018 EAGE All rights reserved. First Break or any part thereof may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying and recording, without the prior written permission of the Publisher.
Aart-Jan van Wijngaarden Technical Programme Officer
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George Apostolopoulos Chair Near Surface Geoscience Division
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Caroline Jane Lowrey Chair Oil & Gas Geoscience Division
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PAPER The Publisher’s policy is to use acid-free permanent paper (TCF), to the draft standard ISO/DIS/9706, made from sustainable forests using chlorine-free pulp (Nordic-Swan standard).
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HIGHLIGHTS
EAGE MEMBERS
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Workshop to review future of unconventionals in China
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Muscat workshop is the place to be for geochemists
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Videos advise on that perfect conference presentation
Exceptional year for EAGE Awards Every year, on the occasion of its Annual Meeting, EAGE Awards are presented to individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to science and the EAGE community. As an Association with the mission of promoting innovation and technical progress, EAGE acknowledges the efforts of its members and their contributions to the development and cooperation in geoscience and related engineering disciplines. The 2018 Awards winners have been nominated by colleagues, such as yourself, and were carefully selected by an international Awards Committee. This year, exceptionally, three candidates received the EAGE Honorary Membership Award and two received the prestigious Conrad Schlumberger Award. Honorary Membership Award Presented to a member of the Association who has made a highly significant and distinguished technical and/ or non-technical contribution to the geoscience community at large or to the Association in particular. EAGE
Muhammed Alfaraj For his highly distinguished research in applied geophysics, for his leadership in exploration and multi-disciplinary field development, and for his loyal and devoted service to the international scientific community, including SEG, SPE, IEEE, AAPG, WPC, MEOS, and especially EAGE. Ian Jones For his highly distinguished research in applied seismology, especially in velocity model building, migration, imaging and inversion; for his dedication to the teaching of geophysics and the training of geophysicists; and for his service to the EAGE.
Aldo Vesnaver For his highly distinguished written and oral scientific contributions in applied geophysics and for his extensive service to the geophysical community, especially SEG and EAGE. Conrad Schlumberger Award Presented to a member of the Association who has made an outstanding contribution to the scientific and technical advancement of the geosciences, particularly geophysics.
Philip Christie For his outstanding ability to enhance the understanding of earth properties through scientific research and innovative geoscience technologies, his exceptional expertise in geophysics, reservoir science and geology, his advisory and leadership role in the scientific community and his lasting impact on the understanding of petroleum systems. Christie was also president of the Association from 20082009. FIRST
Johan Robertsson For his outstanding achievements, the rate of his high quality scientific research and innovation, his mentoring spirit and its evident industrial impact. Biteau to serve another year as president Jean-Jacques Biteau has accepted the EAGE Board’s invitation to continue as president of the Association for the coming year 2018-19. The Board agreed that this was the best solution following the recent resignation of Juan Soldo as vice president. Soldo informed the Board that due to changes in his professional life, it would no longer be possible for him to fulfil all the commitments of EAGE president, so felt obliged to withdraw. The Board expressed their appreciation of Soldo’s contribution to the Association while serving on the Board.
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EAGE NEWS
All the Award winners take the stage.
Alfred Wegener Award Presented to a member of the Association who has made an outstanding contribution to the scientific and technical advancement of one or more of the disciplines in our Association, particularly petroleum geoscience and engineering. Tiziana Vanorio For her innovative scientific and technical contributions on the geophysical characterization of the effect of rock-fluid interactions on rock properties, integrating laboratory measurements with imaging techniques. Nigel Anstey Award Presented to the authors of the best paper published in First Break in the past year. Kim Senger and his co-authors John Millett, Sverre Planke, Kei Ogata, Christian Haug Eide, Marte Festøy, Olivier Galland and Dougal A. Jerram For their paper ‘Effects of igneous intrusions on the petroleum system: a review’. 4
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Ehsan Naeini and his co-authors James Gunning and Roy White For their paper ‘Well tie for broadband seismic data’.
Paul Green and his co-authors Ian R. Duddy, Peter Japsen, Johan M. Bonow and Jean A. Malan For their paper ‘Post-breakup burial and exhumation of the southern margin of Africa’.
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Norman Falcon Award Presented to the authors of the best paper published in Petroleum Geoscience in the past year. rm
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Erick Alvarez and his co-authors Colin MacBeth and Jonathan Brain For their paper ‘Quantifying remaining oil saturation using time-lapse seismic amplitude changes at fluid contacts’. Ludger Mintrop Award Presented to the authors of the best paper published in Near Surface Geophysics in the past year. Matthias Bücker and his co-authors Adrias F. Orozco, Andreas Hördt and Andreas Kemna For their paper ‘An analytical membrane-polarization model to predict the complex conductivity signature of immiscible liquid hydrocarbon contaminants’.
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Robert Mitchum Award Presented to the author(s) of the best paper published in Basin Research in the past year.
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Lucas Pimienta For his outstanding experimentalist work as a young geoscientist on rock mechanics, including applications in CO2 sequestration and geothermal energy.
Loránd Eötvös Award Presented to the authors of the best paper published in Geophysical Prospecting in the past year.
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Arie van Weelden Award Presented to a member of the Association who has made a highly significant contribution to one or more of the disciplines in our Association and who is under the age of 30.
Guido Bonarelli Award Presented in recognition of the best oral presentation at the past EAGE Annual. Maksym Kryvohuz For his presentation ‘Source-side Up-down Wavefield Separation Using Dual NFHs’ delivered at the 79th EAGE Annual Conference in Paris 2017. Louis Cagniard Award Presented in recognition of the best poster presentation at the past EAGE Annual Conference. Bamshad Nazarian and his co-author Philip Ringrose For their poster ‘Risk Associated with Legacy Wells in CCS and CO2 in EOR Projects; a Simulation Study’ - presented at the 79th EAGE Annual Conference in Paris 2017.
Laurie Dake Challenge Trophy Presented in recognition of the Best Fully Integrated Evaluation and Development Plan presented at the 80 th EAGE Annual Conference in Copenhagen 2018.
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Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. Team members: Daniel Sivira, Larry Sandoval, Francis Mujica and Jenny Kim.
EAGE NEWS
Workshop to review future of unconventionals in China Leading experts from around the world are due to gather in Cheng Du, China on 12-14 September 2018 for EAGE’s latest Workshop on Unconventional Oil and Gas entitled ‘Shale Gas Exploration & Development, Tight Oil, CBM’. The Technical Programme Committee is being co-chaired by Wu Qi, (E&P company of PetroChina), Zhang Bin (BP China Upstream) and Bernard Montaron (Fraimwork). This three-day event will cover key issues such as drilling efficiency, improved fracturing and completion techniques, well cleanup and flowback, production optimization, development strategies, declination analysis and EUR estimation, integrated workflows for sweet spot mapping, and how to deal with high stress anisotropy. Participants will be encouraged to engage in discussion with the speakers and other participants.
The workshop also offers an excellent opportunity for wide exposure and to benchmark your presence in the industry through sponsorship and exhibition. FracGeo, a well-known organization for shale management, will be one of the sponsors and exhibitors.
To reserve your place at this exciting workshop you need to register by 5 September 2018. Please check out the website www.eage.org, or contact us via email at asiapacific@eage.org if you need further clarification or have any questions.
Anshun Bridge, Cheng Du, China.
EAGE Education Calendar EDUCATION DAYS BEIJING: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
BEIJING, CHINA
5-18 JUL
EDUCATION DAYS PERTH: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
PERTH, AUSTRALIA
9-16 JUL
EDUCATION DAYS KUALA LUMPUR: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
SHORT COURSE ON SIMULTANEOUS SOURCES: INTRODUCTION TO ACQUISITION AND PROCESSING AND RECENT ADVANCES
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
12-27 JUL
23 JUL
GEOBAIKAL 2018 CONFERENCE
IRKUTSK, RUSSIA
27-31 AUG
EDUCATION DAYS RIO DE JANEIRO: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
28-31 AUG
EDUCATION DAYS ABERDEEN: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
ABERDEEN, UK
EDUCATION DAYS MEXICO CITY: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
9-13 SEP
24TH EUROPEAN MEETING OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING GEOPHYSICS
PORTO, PORTUGAL
9-13 SEP
3RD APPLIED SHALLOW MARINE GEOPHYSICS CONFERENCE
PORTO, PORTUGAL
9-13 SEP
2ND CONFERENCE ON GEOPHYSICS FOR MINERAL EXPLORATION AND MINING
PORTO, PORTUGAL
GEOMODEL 2018
GELENDZHIK, RUSSIA
EAGE EDUCATION TOUR 13
CHINA, INDIA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, MALAYSIA, AUSTRALIA
13 AUG
3-7 SEP
10 SEP 17 SEP - 3 OCT 14 OCT 22-26 OCT 5-9 NOV 19-23 NOV
EAGE EDUCATION TOUR 13
ANAHEIM, USA
EDUCATION DAYS STAVANGER: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
STAVANGER, NORWAY
EDUCATION DAYS HOUSTON: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
HOUSTON, USA
EDUCATION DAYS MOSCOW: MULTIPLE SHORT COURSES PROGRAMME
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.LEARNINGGEOSCIENCE.ORG.
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EAGE NEWS
How special interest communities helped us Back in 2013, EAGE established two Special Interest Communities to provide dedicated platforms for groups of members with similar interest to better channel their expectations. Together they now count over 1800 members worldwide. Five years on we asked two members to tell us a little about their experience.
Carlos Alberto da Costa Filho (Brazil) is a post doctoral research assistant at the University of Edinburgh. He completed his PhD in geophysics in 2017 and continues to work in the Edinburgh Interferometry Project. Milena Marjanović (Serbia) is a marine geophysicist focusing on plate tectonics. Her work has involved five sea expeditions and she is currently based at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP).
When did you first get involved with EAGE and why? CACF: Since my first contact with geophysics during my MSc, I’ve known EAGE publications and conferences. During the first year of my PhD, I was fortunate enough to have an abstract accepted to EAGE 2014. Since then I have tried to attend each EAGE Annual conference. As a student, I have been involved in the many activities of the EAGE Student Programme. From the short courses to networking, I have always enjoyed them. The Student Evening, for example, is always a blast! More recently, I have participated in the EAGE Young Professionals group, and have been delighted with its work. At each Annual Meeting it organizes a panel that allows us as young professionals to listen and talk to distinguished, mid-to-late career professionals about our futures. It also regularly publishes interviews in its LinkedIn group, which allows me to learn about a variety of different topics—technical and non-technical alike. MM: My first contact with EAGE was at the 67th EAGE Annual meeting, held in Madrid in 2005. At that time, I 8
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was a young undergraduate student and I decided to submit an extended abstract to the EAGE Student Programme together with a colleague. We thought that our work and results were worth showing, and we gave it a try. The abstract got accepted and I even received an EAGE grant to cover my travel expenses. It was my first oral presentation at an international conference! Later on, I became a WGE SIC Committee member. At the 79th EAGE Annual in Paris 2017 I participated as one of the panellists and this year in Copenhagen as a moderator. Our group has grown exponentially and, besides the special session at the EAGE Annual, we have organized two e-Mentoring programmes (the second is on-going), started a Job Corner initiative, and maintain a weekly motivational post on LinkedIn with news from the committee relevant to female professionals. How do you find EAGE Annual Meetings? CACF: I attended several technical sessions at Paris EAGE 2017 related
Milena Marjanović.
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to migration and inversion theory, and presented an ePoster on a novel migration method. It was my first time presenting an ePoster, so I was a bit apprehensive at first, but came to thoroughly enjoy the experience. One of the most interesting events I attended last year was the Session for Young Professionals. In it, we heard from Ivan Vasconcelos, Evert Slob, Anna Shaughnessy and François Umbhauer about several aspects of professional life. I found Anna’s talk particularly interesting as she touched on an often-neglected part of professional life: managing relationships where both partners have careers. This is an especially important topic in high-mobility industries such as oil and gas, and will become increasingly important as the global tendency is for households to rely on two incomes rather than one. We also had a round table with the speakers. I heard from Evert Slob on how to become a successful academic, and how to overcome fears. At the Copenhagen meeting, I contributed to the EAGE Code Show, and attended a workshop
EAGE NEWS
about surface and internal multiples. This topic is extremely relevant to my work, and I was lucky enough to be invited to give a talk about it. MM: During the 77th EAGE Conference in Madrid I was introduced to the WGE group. It helped me to properly channel my interest in gender equality. I became more confident in myself, better organized and improved my communication skills. Last year I organized the first joint EAGE/IPGP WGE workshop, with great support from EAGE. In 2017 I attended the EAGE Annual Meeting in Paris. Besides the impressive quality of the Technical Programme, the element that I would like to emphasize
was the special session of the Women in Geoscience and Engineering.
At the 2018 Annual in Copenhagen within the ‘FWI - Case Histories’ session I presented results of my recent study that was conducted as a close collaboration between academia (IPGP) and industry (Shell), funded by Marie S. Curie Fellowship. For the first time we conducted both, elastic and acoustic 3-D full-waveform inversion on a real dataset and showed that in the case of high velocity contrast the elastic approach provides geologically a more plausible image of the subsurface. In addition, as one of the WGE SIC Committee Members, I also had an active role in the WGE Special Session. You can connect with the EAGE Special Interest Communities via LinkedIn
Carlos Alberto da Costa Filho.
Muscat workshop is the place to be for geochemists Geochemistry specialists have the opportunity to meet in Oman on 1-4 October for the Second EAGE Workshop on Geochemistry in Petroleum Operations and Production. The event in Muscat intends to build on the success of the first workshop in 2016. It will provide a fresh opportunity for operators, contractors and academics from the geoscience community to share developments, ideas, case studies, success stories and lessons learned, in any and all aspects of petroleum geochemistry with a highlight on rock-fluid interactions in oil and gas fields. The main topic of the workshop involves rock-fluid interactions which occur at all kinds of temperatures, depths, and lithologies. Such processes are highly complex and can cause significant modification of reservoir and fluid properties. All processes take place at interfaces (water-rock, water-oil) and are thus complex hydrogeochemical reactions controlled by the conversion of organic compounds from gas or oil. The workshop will therefore include a variety of topics combining a broad range of disciplines presented in four different sessions. The first session will focus on geofluids as new indicators for source, thermal
maturity, fluid migration, mixing, compartmentalization and proximity to pay zone. This topic will deal with different aspects from mainly organic geochemical processes, also unravelling the use of new analytical approaches leading to new results especially about high molecular NSO compounds. The second session will be on rock-fluid interactions leading to oil degradation, H2S and CO2 formation. The papers should deepen our quantitative understanding about complex and interacting geochemical processes during which hydrocarbons and water interact. The session will include a keynote presentation by Prof Richard H Worden, from the University of Liverpool. Rock-fluid interactions control porosity/permeability development and changes in wettability are the topic of the third session which aims to understand these changes in time and space. To overcome such problems, a fourth session will focus on rock-fluid interactions during enhanced recovery procedures. Such processes are high on the agenda as many still lack a quantitative understanding. Being in Oman, an excursion will be available to the real geological world to understand rocks and their heterogeneities, FIRST
not only for geologists, but also for those who are from other disciplines working in petroleum geology and production. The workshop will start with a one-day geological excursion in the Al Khoud area where a number of tectonostratigraphic units are exposed, including autochthonous siliciclastic and carbonate sediments that range in age from late Cretaceous to Quaternary. The trip focus with the rocks in view will be reservoir characteristics, seal potential and tectonostratigraphic evolution of this part of Oman. A highlight will be the visit to deep-oceanic sediments and ophiolites which are rarely visible in such spectacular quality. You can register for the workshop online at www.eage.org. BREAK
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EAGE NEWS
Kazakhstan engineering and mining event sets a new standard Vladimir Ignatev (Geodevice), chairman of the Organizing Committee, reports on the 14th EAGE Conference and Exhibition ‘Engineering and Mining Geophysics 2018’ held in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 23-27 April.
Conference and exhibition participants were a good international mix of geoscientists and field specialists.
The 14th edition of the popular Russian ‘Engineering Geophysics’ event attracted a record number of 242 delegates from 110 different institutions and nine countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Latvia, Belarus, Denmark, France, Lithuania and Ukraine) thus ensuring the unconditional success of the event. The conference was jointly organized by EAGE and Satbayev University with the support of three main sponsors: RadExPro, Logis-Geotech group, and Geosignal, all Moscow based. The Technical Programme consisted of 16 sessions covering a wide range
Companies demonstrated new equipment at the exhibition.
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of topics supplemented by three short courses and round-table discussion about cooperation of seismologists, prospecting geophysicists and engineers in designing highly important or unique structures. The rich scientific programme was complemented by an exhibition, commercial presentations and field demonstrations with 14 companies represented. A paper on ‘Modern Electro-prospecting Technologies for Searching and Exploration of Ore Deposits” (V.A. Kulikov, S.V. Zaytsev, A.G. Yakovlev) was chosen as the best conference presentation. Second and third place were respectively studies on ‘Relief and Electrical Resistivity Tomography’ (I.M. Modin, K.I. Baranchuk, B.G. Mukanova, T.M. Mirgalikyzy) and ‘Sunnyside Deposit: A Calibration Site for Airborne EM Systems’ (A. Viezzoli, A. Menghini, G. Selfe, V. Kaminski). EAGE members can conclude that the greatest achievements were noted in electrical exploration. Igor Modin (Moscow State University), session chair for the ‘Theory and Practice of Shallow Electrical Survey’ session said: ‘There is a process of deepening the understanding of the method, and transition from a superficial perception of the results to 2018
the subtleties of the methodology for interpreting the data and the prospecting methodologies. Everyone is trying to complicate the medium models and use the latest software products to perform inversion. At the moment, there are intensive steps being taken towards the development of three-dimensional models.’ Tendencies that can be distinctly traced are: 1) Increase in the depths of electromotography with different variants of sounding configuration (target depths 300-500 m); 2) Growing importance of different versions of magnetotelluric methods for mining task solutions.
Interesting presentations inspired hot debates during coffee breaks.
EAGE NEWS
Achievements in shallow seismics did not go unnoticed. A very interesting talk was also devoted to the use of downhole SH-wave sources entitled ‘The Application of Crosshole Seismic Testing (CST) and Seismic Cone Penetration Test (SCPTu) for Building the Detailed Model of the Medium in the Design of Highly Sensitive Facilities for Nuclear Construction’. In Russia, until the last year there were almost no studies of such a type due to lack of corresponding equipment.
Exhibitors were happy with the attention they received.
Although it should be recognized that outside the country such sources have been known for several years. I also consider my own experience in the field of reflected waves usage for shallow VSP and CST as a new technological development to some extent. In this light, integration of geophysical methods looks even more promising as it facilitates obtaining more information in order to ensure the certainty and accuracy of data interpretation. Many session chairs noted this fact. Students Ksenia Valiullina (Moscow State University), Andrei Shuvalov and Aleksei Tarasov (both from Saint Petersburg University) demonstrated their outstanding technical knowledge and great team work as winners of the EAGE GeoQuiz and were looking forward to the final competition at EAGE Annual Meeting in Copenhagen. The social programme included a conference dinner with local traditional food and music entertainment held at a nearby fancy restaurant. It was accompanied with an award ceremony for the
Satbayev University main conference hall.
sessions best presenters. Their winning contributions will be included in the technical programme of the Near Surface Geoscience Conference & Exhibition in Porto, Portugal (9-13 September 2018). On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all conference sponsors and partners. Everyone did a great job promoting geophysical activities in Kazakhstan and enhancing the country’s professional relationships with Russia, Europe and Canada. In my opinion, this is exactly why we like to gather together at EAGE conferences.
Videos advise on that perfect conference presentation A series of videos being produced by EAGE on to ‘How to present to a live audience – Learn from the experts’ could be exactly what many first time presenters could learn from and benefit in their careers as a result. Presenting to a live audience, whether a small group of colleagues or dozens of people at the EAGE Annual Conference, can be intimidating, but is something that can be learned from experience. Many students and young professionals have not yet had that experience. Especially for first-time presenters or those presenting in a language that is not their mother tongue, technical talks can be challenging. However, learning the knack is also the first step towards embracing the opportunities offered by engaging successfully with the international scientific community at events like the EAGE Annual Meeting.
The new series of videos have been contributed by a number of experienced presenters from a variety of backgrounds. Through their work as Technical Programme reviewers for the EAGE Annual Conference, and in some cases their teaching activities, they know that preparation is crucial for a good presentation. In the three-minute clips, they share their advice on preparing effective presentations, from slides, through rehearsal, to speech and Q&A. They focus on key aspects such as how to capture and (not unimportant!) how to keep the audience’s attention. Their tips and tricks are very practical and based on what they have learned themselves over the years. The videos address different questions and situations, and while there is no such thing as a ‘guarantee for a perfect presentation’, the speakers provide guidelines to make the most out of your time in the spotlight! FIRST
We would like to thank the presenters for sharing their advice with us. They are Ivan Vasconcelos, Caroline Jane Lowrey, Giles Watts, Esther Bloem, Victor Aarre and John Brittan. To watch all the videos and prepare for your next presentation, visit the EAGE channels on YouTube and Youku.
Video recording in progress. Video recording in progress.
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Awards night in Copenhagen highlights the value of Local Chapters Judges of the Best Local Chapter (LC) and Best LC Newcomer in 2017 found themselves spoilt for choice when they reviewed the outstanding crop of entrants from EAGE LCs around the world. In the end the top spot was shared between LC Azerbaijan and LC St Petersburg recognizing the great contribution both make to their local geoscience communities under the EAGE banner. LC London won the best Newcomer award. All were honoured at the President’s Dinner event at EAGE Copenhagen. In 2017, LC Azerbaijan organized two conferences, three workshops and
Six LCs put in entries for Best LC Newcomer which is a category reserved for LCs which have started in the past 12 months. Amongst some very impressive debutants, London was selected as the winner. The LC already has over 340 members and established connections with local universities, societies and companies. In 2017, LC London organized 10 events – six evening talks and four social/networking activities – with 50 participants on average each time. Congratulations go to LC London! Making the difficult decisions on the best LCs was the EAGE Committee on Membership and Cooperation. It is current-
President’s Evening - Kasia from LC London receiving Best LC Newcomer Award.
three field trips with attention not only to its professional members but also to students. Its active networking with local stakeholders and media communications proved very effective in consolidating a great team and a consistent following. LC Azerbaijan is currently working on promoting the establishment of a Student Chapter at the French-Azerbaini University (UFAZ) in Baku.. Meantime LC St Petersburg provided an equally exemplary example of a LC at work organizing webinars, field classes and workshops as well as joint activities with local societies, universities and companies. For 2018 it plans on increasing its activities including lectures for students, new workshops and more webinars with EAGE.
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ly composed of eight members from different countries, including two representatives from the Special Interest Communities. Their job was to review the annual activity reports from the LCs reports and then nominate the most active LCs for the 2018 honours. EAGE now has 26 active LCs worldwide and, for the first time, we can announce that they are present in all regions where EAGE operates – Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, America, Russia & CIS. LCs are intended to be scientific communities that actively collaborate with EAGE to promote geoscience and the Association, while contributing to the training, professional updates and networking of its members.
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EAGE recognizes the work carried out by LCs worldwide for its members. This includes smaller and larger events that are able to respond to the interests of specific communities and to invite new members to approach the Association, share ideas, develop new projects. In turn, EAGE supports LCs through dedicated event support funds, publishing and promotion opportunities, sponsorship of student members and the possibility of submitting proposals for new initiatives. Cross-community cooperation is especially encouraged as it allows more members to bridge different target groups that may have similar interests or complement each other. More and more LCs are making moves to team up with Special Interest Communities, Student Chapters and Associated Societies to make the most of the EAGE network. LC Greece, for example, actively collaborates with the EAGE Student Chapter at the National Technical University of Athens, encouraging students to present at EAGE conferences. Several of them presented their papers in Copenhagen this year and will be at Near Surface Geoscience in Porto in September 2018. LC Hungary works closely with the Hungarian Association of Geophysicists (an Associated Society of EAGE). Among other activities, this year it jointly organized the 49th Meeting of Young Geoscientists. Cooperation between LCs is also possible. In June LC London organized an evening lecture with the participation of the president of LC Aberdeen – a mix of technical talk and sharing of experiences that certainly benefitted both communities. Another opportunity for LCs to get together (remotely in this case) is requesting a free webinar from the DLP portfolio of talks. This allows multiple LCs to tune in simultaneously and interact, not only with the lecturer but also with each other. Theses are exactly the conditions for a productive exchange that EAGE encourages with the LC programme.
EAGE NEWS
Azerbaijan societies combine for special student event ‘Excellent education is the key to success in oil production’ was the theme for a milestone event in Baku on 19-21 April. This was when LC Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Society of Petroleum Geologists (ASPG) jointly led an International Conference of Young Researchers and Students, hosted at the French-Azerbaijan University (UFAZ) with Azerbaijani, Russian and English as working languages. ASPG president Dr Arzu Javadova (BP), Dr Rauf Aliyarov, vice-rector of Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry, and Dr Akif Narimanov (SOCAR), founder of ASPG and president of EAGE Local Chapter Azerbaijan, welcomed participants to the conference. Some 60 proposed presentations were submitted for the event, of which 51 were accepted and 49 presented in three sessions on Regional Geology
and Evaluation of the Hydrocarbon Potential of Sedimentary Basins; Development of Deposits and Methods of Increasing RF; and Basics of Seismic Exploration, Interpretation and Field Geophysics. A panel of experts assessed the presentations and awarded top prize to Zaur Bayramov, fourth-year student at ASUOI (supervisor, Elshan Abdullayev). Huseynova Jamilya, a Masters student at ASUOI (supervisor, Tofig Akhmedov) and Khagani Abdullayev, a Masters student of Baku State University (supervisor, Parviz Mammadov) were awarded joint second place. Ganizade Geni (supervisor, Parviz Mamedov), Alaskar Alaskar (supervisor, Elshan Abdullayev) and Nurlan Jabizade (supervisor, Bagir Bagirov) took third prize. The conference was sponsored by SOCAR, BP, Total, Statoil, Schlumberger and AGUNP.
Students and young professional winners of the conference.
LC Azerbaijan (established in 2002) is one of the most active Local Chapters of EAGE. ASPG, an Associated Society of EAGE, has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
First anniversary to remember for LC Aberdeen The Aberdeen Local Chapter (LC) celebrated its first anniversary in style with a cake and party at the Seismic2018 conference in May. LC Aberdeen has gone from strength to strength in its first year organiing a range of activities from evening lectures to the highly successful ‘Best of Paris’ workshop in January focusing on 4D seismic. There is a strong sense of community among the geoscientists and engineers in Scotland and LC Aberdeen provides them a focal point for local learning and networking opportunities. It continues to develop partnerships with other local organizations through collaboration and shared activities. LC Aberdeen members worked closely with the Society of Petroleum
Engineers (SPE) in the organization of Seismic2018, a two-day conference that explored the theme of ‘Seismic through the asset lifecycle’. Paul Mitchell, LC president, chaired the conference and the Chapter saw a significant increase in members following the event through its stand in the exhibition hall and a very popular social and networking event at a nearby pub. LC Aberdeen has a busy schedule of activities planned for the remainder of the year including evening talks at the University of Aberdeen and further joint evening meetings with the PESGB, an Associated Society of EAGE. It is very excited about the return of the EAGE Education days to Aberdeen in August and the Education
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Tour, featuring Ian Jones, in November. It also look forward to working with the newly formed Student Chapter at the University of Aberdeen. If you would like to get involved with the LC Aberdeen you can contact them via their LinkedIn page or mail at EAGELCAberdeen@gmail.com.
One excellent year for LC Aberdeen.
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Local Chapter Ireland kicks-off in Dublin EAGE has welcomed a new Local Chapter (LC) joining the European network. With Chapters already active in Aberdeen, Austria, Greece, Hungary, London, Madrid, Oslo, Pau, Poland and Serbia, LC Ireland brings the total to 11. The new LC came into existence thanks to the efforts of Dr Gareth O’Brien, Dr Rosi Davi and Andrew Colhoun. They were largely responsible for getting together the petition of 25+ EAGE members active in the area of Dublin. The inaugural meeting, supported by Tullow Oil, was a success gathering of professionals who will be engaged in more events and initiatives in the coming months. Two speakers presented an overview of the geoscience work being performed in industry and academia focusing on some of the Irish aspects. Joe Mongan (Tullow Oil) presented a talk titled ‘Geophysics in the E&P Industry’. Mongan is manager of the Tullow’s applied geophysics and technology team based in Dublin, responsible for providing three integrated geophysical services: geophysical data
acquisition, geophysical data processing and quantitative inversion His talk based on 33 years in the industry detailed how the role of technology past and future impacts the E&P business. The second talk ‘Overview of geophysics academic research in Ireland’ was presented by Prof Chris Bean and Dr Ivan Lokmer. Both are long standing academics working on a suite of geophysical problems. Prof Bean is currently head of geophysics and director of the School of Cosmic Physics in the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) where his research group works on passive seismic, volcanoes, and in-situ ocean observations. Dr Lokmer is an associate professor in University College Dublin with numerous academic publications across several geophysical topics including volcano seismology, source inversion and wavefield scattering. The talk began with a historical context to geophysical research in Ireland dating back to the world’s first controlled seismic source experiment by Robert Mallet in 1849 on Killiney
Packed house for the inaugural meeting of LC Ireland.
Beach, Dublin. The second part of the talk outlined the broad areas of geophysical research being undertaken across several academic institutes in Ireland. The juxtaposition of the past and future provided a stark example of the advancement of geoscience over this period. The next stage of this new Chapter will be establishing of its internal organization coordinated by acting president Gareth O’Brien and broadening of the LC network across more geoscience disciplines within Ireland. You can connect with LC Ireland via LinkedIn.
Local Chapter Houston is a go A little bit of EAGE history was created in May this year when a group of members in Houston promoted the establishment of a new Local Chapter (LC) in the greater Houston area.
LC Houston became the first EAGE Chapter in North America and responds to the needs of our growing community in this region. The founders of the newly formed Chapter have already held two
The team of LC Houston invites EAGE members to join them.
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coordination meetings and have been active in setting up their operational structure. This includes Huw James as president with a vice-president, secretary, treasurer and representatives for dedicated groups (Students, Young Professionals, and Women in Geoscience and Engineering). The geoscientific community in Houston is extremely international, so local professionals from the Turkish, Chinese and Russian communities have also been contacted in order to encourage their active participation. You can join LC Houston and follow its updates via LinkedIn.
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EAGE NEWS
Call for members to contribute to discussion on definition of reserves EAGE’s recently constituted Resource Evaluation Committee of the Oil and Gas Geoscience Division (OGGD-REC) is putting out a call to members to participate in the discussion on clarifying the terms used in this methodology. OGGD-REC has been contributing to the revision of the current Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS) first published in 2007 with an updated version due to be released in the last quarter of 2018.
the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA). Although the extent of the proposed PRMS modifications are comparatively minor, a re-analysis of PRMS by OGGDREC has underscored the need for a clear understanding of petroleum volumetric definitions included in the new version. If they are to be effective, such definitions must be correctly utilized by petroleum industry professionals. OGGD-REC
A major difference between the PRMS of 2007 and the revised version proposed for 2018 is the list of sponsors. The original PRMS 2007 was sponsored by SPE, as lead society, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE), and the World Petroleum Council (WPC). EAGE is one of the three additional sponsors for PRMS 2018 along with
considers that there are still too many departures by authors and practitioners from the language of the approved definition of reserves. Some recent examples would be: Reserves in place, Total in situ recoverable volume, Recoverable reserves at reservoir conditions, Technically recoverable reserves, and Remaining reserves Such departures are inconsistently adopted, sometimes even within the
same organisation. They proliferate misunderstanding between operators and their creditors, as well as other industry stakeholders. This can result in skewed reporting of recoverable volumes, and lead to erroneous volumetric correspondence between different reporting systems (for example through the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources). OGGD-REC sees a contemporary need to reinforce the correct use of key definitions that pertain to reserves. To this end, the committee is proposing a short article in First Break for publication towards the end of 2018 to coincide with the release of the revised PRMS. The purpose is to show how petroleum volumetric definitions have been misused over the past ten years or so and to promote greater accuracy and conformity in the future. OGGD-REC is therefore inviting EAGE members to submit any brief notifications of either examples of the misuse of reserves terminology or experiences of the consequences of such misuse. These examples and experiences can be sanitized, i.e., non-attributable, in cases where they have not been published. In this way, the committee can take as many case histories into account as possible. Please send any contributions in English and in Word format before 31 May 2018 to the committee chair, Øistein Bøe, at email address oiboe@statoil.com. He will be happy to answer any questions you might have. OGGD-REC looks forward to hearing from you.
EAGE Student Calendar 3-8 JUL
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Student Chapter forms in Nigeria Geoscience and engineering students at University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria are getting together to form a Student Chapter (SC). They say they have been inspired by the effectiveness of EAGE in promoting geosciences and engineering in the region as well as student activities. Plans for SC Uniport include promoting geosciences and engineering activities within the local community
through intensive studies, research work, field trips, lecture tours, outreach and encouraging sporting activities to help bring together students in the relevant disciplines as a community. The intention is also to collaborate and form relationships with other EAGE chapters around the world. Student professional development will also allow students to test their expertise in preparing technical reports, papers and cooperative efforts in
research projects, thereby adding value to the oil and gas industry. The students state that one of the major environmental hazards in the region is gas flaring, which is dangerous to human health and against local regulations. They will work towards proffering a solution in which gas flaring can be converted to economic benefit instead of environmental pollution.
Tomsk students get their Chapter underway Students from Tomsk Polytechnic University recently formed a new Student Chapter (SC), the first in East Siberia. The Tomsk region remains one of Russia’s most active regions for the exploration and production of oil and gas and is therefore well positioned to sustain and serve an active student/ professional membership. Tomsk is also one of the academic hotspots in Siberia with almost a third of the city’s made up of students. Iuliia Uzhegova, student in reservoir management at PolyTech as president of the Chapter, and Aleksandra Volkova, student in geophysics at Polytech as vice-president, the SC Tomsk can expect an active and thriving future ahead. Both took part in the annual EAGE Online GeoQuiz, ending up as winners of the event! At Tomsk universities, many disciplines are studied, including geophysics, geology, modelling and prediction of
Tomsk students at opening of new Chapter.
carbonate reservoirs, geochemistry and environmental studies. During the first event organized by the chapter, Mikhail Novikov, director of the EAGE Moscow office, introduced the EAGE to all attendees, after which Roald van Borselen, membership and cooperation officer at EAGE, delivered a presentation on ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Oil & Gas Exploration’. In the talk, new solutions in marine and onshore data acquisition, seismic processing and imaging, and integrated geo-
physical solutions were discussed. The importance of utilizing new collaboration models between industry, academia and research institutions was also highlighted. After the lectures, a social event was organized, providing an opportunity for attendees to discuss further and to network. The Chapter is currently organizing a field trip in the Tomsk area and a GeoQuiz for local students. There are also plans for a new geoscience orientation summer school event.
The EAGE Student Fund supports activities that help bridge the gap between the university and professional environments for students of geosciences and engineering. Thanks to our Student Fund contributors we can continue supporting students around the globe and through this securing the future of our industry. For more information to become a Student Fund contributor, please visit eagestudentfund.org or contact us at students@eage.org. SUPPORTED BY
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Pulling the plug on oil New Zealand’s Jacinda Arden has been subject of predictable active in New Zealand, 22 of which are offshore. These permits worldwide publicity for being a serving prime minister announcing cover an area of 100,000 km2 and could be validated for an a pregnancy while in office, the first time since Benazari Bhutto of additional 40 years under a mining permit. In each of the last two Pakistan in 1990. Her baby was due at the time of writing. years only one permit has been granted for offshore oil and gas Whether such an event should attract so much attention is exploration, probably more a reflection of the industry downturn another matter. In previous centuries, female monarchs such as than lack of confidence in the country’s untapped reserves. Marie Theresa of the Hapsburg Empire, Catherine the Great of Oil is the largest energy source in New Zealand, representing Russia and Queen Anne of England, Scotland and Ireland routinely 32.6% of total primary energy supply (TPES), according to a bore children during their reign without fanfare, although in those 2017 International Energy Agency (IEA) country report. It is a net days infant mortality was shockingly common. importer of crude oil with domestic oil production accounting for Arden should surely be making headlines for a different reason. around 35% of domestic demand. All petroleum production comes In April she announced that New Zealand would not be granting any from fields in the Taranaki Basin on the West Coast of the North new permits for offshore oil and gas exploration. In doing so, she Island. The Maui field has been major domestic producer of oil but, became the first prime minister of a significant oil-producing counas this field has depleted, more diverse sources of oil (and gas) have try to ban continuing offshore exploration for oil and gas resources been found. Production today comes from five offshore fields with through new licensing initiatives when substantial reserves could a further 12 smaller producing fields onshore. almost certainly be found. In 2015, New Zealand produced 1.9 million With the exception of specialist media tonnes (Mt) of crude oil while imports and ‘The decision to halt the advocating a fossil-free future, this bold if conexports stood at 5.1 Mt and 1.7 Mt, respectively. issue of new permits troversial move was not widely reported outside According to the IEA, crude oil production was New Zealand. Hence the logic and possible 112% higher in 2015 compared with 2005, comes as part of a implications for the global E&P industry have surging in the mid-2000s thanks to considerable commitment to a received little attention. exploration activities and new oilfield discovThe decision to halt the issue of new per- carbon-neutral future’ eries and peaking at 2.7 Mt in 2008. Imports mits comes as part of a commitment to a were 14% higher in 2015 than in 2005, growing carbon-neutral future. Ardern’s Labour coalition government was consistently to a peak of 5.3 Mt in 2012. elected in 2017 with a programme for tackling global climate On current projections, by 2035 New Zealand’s current reserves change high on the agenda. It is already committed to generating all will more or less have run out. In its 2017 report the IEA analysts of its electricity from renewable resources by the year 2030 and to warned about security of supply as the country pursues the achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2050. decarbonisation of the economy. All recent supply crises apparently Ardern said that because that transition would take time, New involved hydro storage levels falling to the defined emergency Zealand has to start now, or else it risked acting too late to combat thresholds. climate change. Arden said the government is protecting existing exploration The government made clear that exploitation of current reserves and mining rights in a managed transition providing certainty or of potential finds from current exploration permits will not be for industry and local communities so they can plan for the affected. There are 31 oil and gas exploration permits currently future. Some have suggested that the ban was been inspired by
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Similarly Denmark recently halted all further onshore exploration, an anti-offshore drilling petition organized by Greenpeace which which in any case amounts to almost nothing. The decision made garnered 50,000 signatures. an expedient exception of the country’s flourishing oil and gas Predictably the opposition party has not seen it that way production, which continues to earn significant revenue in exports. referring to the move as ‘economic vandalism’ and promising to Costa Rica, on the other hand, is aiming high. In May this repeal the measure. It pointed to the potential loss of well-paid jobs year President Carlos Alvarado announced that the country aims to and revenue to the economy, and the impact of declining natural gas become the world’s first decarbonized nation saying, ‘We have the supply for electricity generation. titanic and beautiful task of abolishing the use of fossil fuels in our The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of economy to make way for the use of clean and renewable energies.’ New Zealand (PEPANZ) said New Zealand’s energy security and Last year the Costa Rican Energy Institute of Energy reported that international reputation would be affected, and that the decision the country had been running for 300 days on renewable energy would do nothing to reduce global greenhouse emissions. such as hydropower, wind, geothermal, biomass and solar. The International Association of Geophysical Contractors has In December last year, a public outcry about seismic survey voiced its legitimate concern over a specific consequence, which plans offshore Belize prompted the government to impose an looks to have been unconsidered by the government. Some indefinite moratorium on oil activity in its offshore territory. The member companies have invested heavily in multi-client seismic decision was designed to protect the country’s barrier reef, home surveys acquired with a 15-year right to market and license under of many endangered marine species and one of the world’s major New Zealand law in expectation of future leasing. This may now destinations for divers. never be realized resulting in millions of dollars of lost revenue. In February Ireland’s Dáil Éireann, the country’s lower house There are two key issues involved in the New Zealand governof parliament, voted 78-48 to advance a bill to stop the government ment’s decision, one practical and the other ethical. from issuing new licences for both on and offshore oil and gas The practical question is whether the government has got its exploration. This follows a successful camsums right. In other words, will the country paign to ban fracking passed last year. The latest be able to move sufficiently to other forms ‘A growing popular of energy supply in time to make its current anti-industry sentiment bill, promoted by the Solidarity-People Before Profit electoral alliance, was strongly opposed dependence on oil unnecessary? This leads to a further question, i.e., would the electorate has its contradictions’ by the government anxious to protect the country’s current oil and gas industry operations and support a fossil-fuel free policy even when hoped for success in the future from further exploration in West of an alternative energy strategy was perceived to be falling short, Ireland prospects such as the Porcupine Basin. forcing the government to import oil because its own reserves were What must be seen as a growing popular anti-industry sentiment running out? We shall just have to see what happens, but it would has its contradictions. For example, the next year or so is likely to not make economic sense to import oil expensively from elsewhere see a significant increase in the number of licensing rounds around when potential domestic reserves have not been explored for the world being launched, or revived. According to DrillingInfo, in environmental reasons. March there were 27 current licensing rounds offering more than Which brings us to the ethical problem of governments taking one million km2 of E&P acreage worldwide. It is clear that for isolated decisions in the global oil and gas economic environment. many countries with hydrocarbons potential, the priority is to take Opponents of Arden policy argue that reducing New Zealand’s advantage of the expected future demand for oil and benefit from contribution to the world’s oil supply will simply shift production the revenues that accrue to the national economy. An extra spur to other countries, and hence have little impact on global emissions. no doubt is the rising price of oil and the expected ramping up of In addition, as already mentioned, in some scenarios New Zealand exploration spending by the oil industry. would end up importing oil at a higher cost. The UK’s Oil and Gas Authority has awarded a swathe of The arguments in this debate are likely to be heard more and blocks in the country’s 30th Offshore licensing round. This provides more around the world as countries revise their energy strategies to the weird spectacle of a government on the one hand fighting off reduce the oil and gas component. The pushback from fracking is a environmentalists as it tries to promote onshore shale exploration, case in point. Those countries, mainly in Europe, that have imposed and on the other hand, taking measures to stimulate offshore a ban are cutting off a potential source of energy supply in the cause exploration with scarcely a murmur of protest. of protecting the environment. New Zealand is not the only country Meanwhile, the United States, the world’s No 1 oil producer, is where future oil and gas operations are in jeopardy. President actively encouraging increased production from its shale resources Macron of France fulfilled an election pledge by putting a stop to and seeking to push offshore exploration into areas previously future oil and gas exploration in the country. In reality this was not regarded as environmentally off limits. This may be one of the reamuch more than a nod to the climate change activist lobby given sons why Arden is known to be unimpressed by President Trump. the lack of serious reserves potential onshore or offshore France.
Views expressed in Crosstalk are solely those of the author, who can be contacted at andrew@andrewmcbarnet.com.
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Celebrating our 25th
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HIGHLIGHTS
INDUSTRY NEWS
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TGS and PGS start 3D survey in Barents Sea
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HiSeis starts huge 3D survey of Western Australian mine
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Royal Dutch Shell makes big deep-water discovery in US Gulf of Mexico
UK 30th round winners commit to seismic surveys
Oil rig in operation.
Nine 3D seismic surveys will take place in UK waters after the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) awarded 123 licences over 229 blocks or part-blocks to 61 companies in the 30th Offshore Licensing Round. New work programme commitments include eight firm exploration/appraisal wells, nine firm new-shoot 3D seismic surveys and 14 licences progressing straight to field development planning (second term licences). BP has committed to shooting two 3D seismic surveys; Marquee Oil and Gas one 3D survey; Chrysaor North Sea has committed to two seismic surveys; Shell one 3D seismic survey; Parkmead one 3D survey and Zennor Pathway one seismic survey.
Many other companies have firm commitments to obtain 3D seismic data and 2D seismic data as well as reprocess 2D and 3D data and obtain CSEM data. A full list of award winners and work commitments can be found online at www. ogauthority.co.uk. The round may help to unlock around a dozen undeveloped discoveries containing a central estimate of 320 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) of resource in undeveloped oil and gas discoveries which were previously stranded but can now be progressed through further appraisal to field development. It is estimated that the UKCS currently has around 1.5 billion boe of resource in potentially commercial, undeveloped FIRST
discoveries, many of which were previously considered to be too small or technically challenging. The 30th round awards includes 20% of these untapped reserves; 26,659 km2 was offered offered for award. In addition, around 3.6 billion boe (mean-risked volume potential) of exploration prospectivity will be progressed by the new licensees. Kevin Swann, Wood Mackenzie’s North Sea senior research analyst, said: ‘The number of licenses, blocks and companies awarded in this round is on a par with the numbers seen in the 28th round in 2016, but more exciting this time is that 14 licenses will move straight into the field development planning stage,’ ‘The UK is in desperate need of new projects to fill a development pipeline that is all but empty beyond the early 2020s, and 14 new pre-FID projects could go a long way to rectifying that,’ he added. ‘The eight firm exploration wells among the awards, with big companies like Shell, BP, Equinor and ConocoPhillips among those set to drill, is a big vote of confidence in the UK. It shows the big players are not ready to leave UK waters yet,’ Swann said. ‘Newer kids on the block, like private equity-backed Chrysaor and small E&Ps IOG and i3, have committed to new exploration wells too, showing that UK exploration interest is strong across the corporate landscape,’ he added. BREAK
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Dr Andy Samuel, chief executive at the OGA said the result was a vindication of the OGA’s decision to spend some $20 million on commissioning 3D seismic data to make freely available to oil and gas companies: ‘The UKCS is back. Big questions facing the basin have been answered in this round. Exploration is very much alive with lots of prospects generated and new wells to be drilled. The results show a great diversity of active players from super-majors to new entrants, and the hard work promoting undeveloped discoveries is starting to pay off. ‘Together we are building on the good momentum and collective efforts of industry, OGA and government over the last three years, with four projects already sanctioned this year and a healthy pipeline of 50 projects under consideration.’ The OGA provided incentives to support the round and stimulate interest, including the new, flexible Innovate Licence; an extended 120-day application period; a technology forum held in conjunction the Oil and Gas Technology Centre; and a suite of new data and analyses, including digital maps, prospect and discovery reports, plus well and seismic data. Gunther Newcombe, operations director at the OGA said: ‘It was particularly pleasing to see many companies identify-
ing new prospects through the application of the latest seismic processing technologies and modern 3D surveys.’ Equinor was the biggest winner with nine new licences, eight as operator. The licenses are spread across the UK shelf. The award includes one commitment well on the Lifjellet prospect in the Jren High area. The plan is to progress work in the licence through a site survey and to drill the well in 2019 in line with the strategy to efficiently mature and drill prospects. This autumn Equinor will undertake a three-well exploration campaign. The plan is to seek clarity on the volume range of the 2017 Verbier discovery and to test two new prospects. The Bigfoot prospect is located near the Mariner field, while Pip is in an underdeveloped area on the East Shetland platform. BP has won seven licences, five as operator and two as partner. The BP-operated licences are the Skua field adjacent to BP’s Marnock field, which is part of the Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP) hub, a licence adjacent to BP’s Capercaillie and Vorlich discoveries, a licence in the Northern North Sea and two licences in Quadrant 208 west of Shetland.
The award includes 26 blocks with commitments to drill one well in the Northern North Sea and shoot 3D seismic across the Quadrant 208 area. The 30th Licensing Round awards follow an announcement in March that BP will be participating in two exploration wells in 2018 with Equinor as operator; the Pip prospect in the Fladen Ground Spur area and the Bigfoot prospect 30 km south of the Mariner field. Attention will now turn to the 31st Round, scheduled to be launched in summer 2018, which will provide opportunities in under-explored and frontier areas of the UKCS. To support the next licensing round, the OGA has already released the results of the 2016 Government-Funded Seismic Programme. Almost 19,000 km of newly-acquired broadband seismic data are now freely available to download, together with approximately 23,000 km of reprocessed legacy seismic data and well data packages. The round will cover large areas including the East Shetland Platform, North West Scotland, South West Britain and the Mid North Sea High. The seismic data are accompanied by new geotechnical studies commissioned by the OGA to investigate the key subsurface uncertainties in these areas.
TGS and PGS start 3D survey in Barents Sea
Ramform Atlas will tow 16 streamers.
TGS and PGS have announced the Nansen 3D Geostreamer multi-client project in the Barents Sea.
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The survey will cover some 6100 km² in the Hammerfest Basin. Acquisition was expected to commence late May and is due to be completed in September 2018. The project is designed to improve the imaging of the known fields and discoveries, and allow identification and development of new targets in both mature and new plays. The survey area contains shallow targets on the basin flanks and platforms, with deeper exploration potential elsewhere in the basin. ‘Nansen 3D will expand TGS’ data coverage in the Barents Sea where we have a strong track record of success. This project will provide modern, high qual-
2018
ity seismic data to an area that is highly relevant for exploration in the current and upcoming APA rounds,’ said Kristian Johansen, CEO, TGS. PGS’ Ramform Atlas will tow an ultra-high-density 3D configuration with a 16 x 56.25 m x 7000 m setup. Three of the streamers are towed with 10 km offsets for optimized performance of full waveform inversion (FWI). The acquisition design is tailored to fully utilize the potential of an advanced PSDM and FWI processing workflow. Data processing will be performed by TGS using its Clari-Fi broadband technology. Fast-track data will be available in Q1 2019 with final data in Q4.
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Bahrain launches $1 billion oil fund
Bahrain has launched an energy fund to raise $1 billion from local, regional and international investors to develop the kingdom’s energy assets.
The Bahrain Energy Fund will receive its initial capital from local entities including Nogaholding, the investment arm of Bahrain’s National Oil and Gas Authority,
as well as from investment banks Osool and SICO. The fund will provide finance to develop projects arising from recently discovered tight oil and deep gas resources off the west coast of the kingdom, estimated to contain some 80 billion barrels of tight oil resources. The small non-OPEC Gulf oil producer, with around 124.6 million barrels of proven reserves, currently gets its oil revenues from two fields: the onshore Bahrain field, and the offshore Abu Safah field, which is shared jointly with Saudi Arabia.
TGS reports much improved first quarter results TGS has reported first quarter net profit of $13.2 million on revenues of $135 million, compared with $1.5 million on revenues of $86.15 million in Q1 2017 and $55 million on revenues of $157 million in Q4 2017. Operating profit was $24.9 million (18% of net revenues), compared with $1.9 million in Q1 2017 and $51.6 million in Q4 2017. Free cash flow of $71 million resulted in a cash balance of $302 million, an increase of $51.8 million on Q4 2017. Net late sales were $115 million, up 67% from $69 million in Q1 2017 and down from $143 million in Q4 2017. Net pre-funding revenues were $18 million, up 15% from $15 million in Q1 2017 and from $11 million in Q1 2014, funding 57% of TGS’ operational multi-client investments for the quarter of $30.7 million. In Q1 2017 44% of operational multi-client investments of $58.4 million were pre-funded and in Q4 2017 41% of multi-client investments of $28 million were pre-funded. Proprietary contract revenues grew 17% to $2.3 million in the quarter from $1.9 million in Q1 2017 and $1.9 million in Q4 2017. Financial guidance for 2018 is unchanged with new multi-client investments expected to be $260 million and pre-funding of new multi-client investments at 45-50%. 24
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‘TGS’ performance in the past two quarters, driven by strong late sales across all regions, indicates that there has been an improvement in the fundamentals of the global market for seismic data. The combination of higher oil price and lower cost base means that E&P companies now have more operating cash flow that can be used for growth investments,’ said TGS’ CEO Kristian Johansen. The company’s results statement says the market for seismic services increasingly ‘driven by strong late sales across all regions, indicates that there has been an improvement in the underlying fundamentals of the global market for seismic data. The combination of higher oil price and lower cost base means that E&P companies now have more operating cash flow that can be used for growth investments. However, despite this improving trend, visibility is still low, securing prefunding for new projects is still challenging and the market is expected to remain volatile in the near term. ‘After a sustained period of low global exploration spending, the amount of new conventional oil and gas resources discovered has fallen to historically low levels. In the long-term the global E&P industry needs to increase exploration efforts in order to meet demand, which is expected to continue to grow. With focus on quality and cost, multi-client seismic 2018
data is likely to be increasingly important in these efforts.’ The amortization of the multi-client library for Q1 2018 amounted to $83.6 million, up from $61.8 million in Q1 2017. This includes impairment charges of $10 million, mainly related to the decision of New Zealand to cease awarding new exploration permits. The net book value of the multi-client library was $749.7 million as of 31 March 2018 compared to $819.9 million in Q1 2017. TGS had one 2D seismic vessel, one 3D seismic vessel and two multibeam vessels in operation in Q1 2018. In addition, TGS had one onshore crew operating in the Permian Basin, one in the SCOOP/ STACK play and one in Canada. TGS’ backlog amounted to $74 million at the end of Q1 2018, a decrease of 9% from Q4 2017 and 38% lower than at the end of Q1 2017. TGS added 14,000 new digital well logs to its well log library, 1000 new enhanced digital well logs and 95,000 Validated Well Headers. Erik Finnstrom will join TGS as senior vice president, New Ventures. Finnstrom has more than 30 years industry experience from exploration management roles in Statoil, Norsk Hydro and Chevron. He will have executive responsibility for the Africa, Middle East and Latin America business units.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Polarcus reports net profit of $2.8 million Polarcus has reported a net profit of $2.8 million on revenues of $30.1 million compared with a net loss of $-92.7 million on revenues of $37.2 million in Q1 2017 and net loss of $-172.5 on revenues of $179 million in Q4 2017. Q1 operating profit of $5.2 million compared with an operating loss of $-84.5 million in Q4 2017 and an operating loss of $-20.3 million in Q1 2017. Contract revenue was $18 million while a bare boat charter accounted for $6.7 million. Multi-client revenue was $0.1 million. Liquidity was $86 million, including undrawn credit of $40 million, which was up from $50.8 million at the end of Q4 2017, following the company’s $37 million recapitalization programme. The company has reported a backlog of $150 million.
‘The first quarter 2018 results reflect a cold winter coming to an end,’ says the company’s results statement. ‘Revenues were low but increased sequentially driven by increased utilization and a higher prefunding level. Utilization improved significantly as Polarcus Asima came back into production in February driven by increased demand for marine seismic services. Revenues were negatively impacted by operational delays on turnkey projects in North and South America. ‘Despite our somewhat cautious view on the near-term market, we are positive on the mid- to long-term. The number of square kilometres tendered in Q1 2018 almost doubled compared to Q4 2017. The increase is driven by a higher number of larger tenders across Africa and Asia Pacific. For the 12-month period
ending Q1 2018, tender activity increased by approximately 50% compared to the same period last year. The oil price is significantly higher in 2018 compared to recent years and utilization of the active global 3D seismic fleet has increased substantially since Q4 2017. The positive developments in tender activity, oil price and global fleet utilization are all indications of an improving marine seismic market.’ Meanwhile, Polarcus has appointedLars Oestergaard as chief operating officer. Oestergaard will lead the Polarcus Geophysical, Operations and Sales teams as well as the Environmental Health Safety and Quality (EHSQ) department. Oestergaard was previously employed at Maersk Drilling where he held operational and commercial roles, most recently as chief commercial officer.
Norway launches 2018 APA round Norway’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has announced its Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) for 2018, comprising blocks in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea.
This year, the APA acreage has been expanded to 47 blocks in the Norwegian Sea and 56 blocks in the Barents Sea. The expansion mainly includes blocks in the western part of the Norwegian Sea as well
as areas east of the existing APA area in the Barents Sea. The application deadline for APA 2018 is 4 September 2018. Awards will be announced during the first quarter of 2019.
UK reports rise in production efficiency Production efficiency (PE) on the UK Continental Shelf has risen for a fifth consecutive year, to 74% in 2017. The improvement is estimated to have contributed an additional 11.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) during 2017 Data were collected as part of the UK’s Oil and Gas Authority’s 2017 UKCS Stewardship Survey. In recent years, the UKCS has reversed the declining trend in both PE and overall production. Production in 2017 was 1.63 million boe/d, as per the OGA’s February 2018 report. This equates to 595 million barrels. PE in the UKCS fell from 76% in 2008 to a low of 60%
in 2012, but has steadily risen in recent years. Production Efficiency is defined as the total volume of hydrocarbons produced in 2017 as a percentage of economic maximum production potential. Meanwhile, the OGA has published new guidance to support industry to deliver the next generation of UK oil and gas field developments. Fifteen new field developments are underway across the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), worth approx. £15 billion in capital expenditure and estimated to deliver approx. 1.5 billion boe over the life of the fields. FIRST
In addition, around 50 projects are under consideration by the OGA. The OGA document Requirements for the Planning of and Consent to UKCA Field Development champions the benefits of early project planning and supply chain collaboration through the use of Supply Chain Action Plans (SCAPs). The OGA consulted industry via the Asset Stewardship Taskforce. Gunther Newcombe, director of operations at the OGA, said: ‘The new guidance puts a stronger focus on frontend planning, early engagement with the supply chain and making the right choice at the concept select stage.’ BREAK
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Explor Geophysical trials new low impact seismic survey technology Explor Geophysical has completed the first Ultra High Density (UHD) 3C 3D seismic survey at an unnamed oil sands region in Canada using its PinPoint technology, confirming the viability of seismic acquisition without seismic lines. Over a small area, Explor acquired seismic data at a density of 100 million traces per km2 at full offset, with trace densities > 42 million traces per km2 at target depth. These data were acquired without preparing any lines or trails and without cutting down any trees or a single stem of vegetation. While typical ‘low impact’ seismic projects in the oil sands region mulch 2.75-metre-wide seismic lines spaced 30 to 80 metres apart to accommodate equipment, the PinPoint method does not require seismic line preparation.
Over the last two decades, the seismic industry has worked to reduce seismic line widths from conventional widths of 6 to 8 m to current low-impact widths of 1.75 metres and 2.75 metres in the oil sands. While intended to minimize the use of lines by wolves and the associated increase to depredation of boreal woodland caribou, recent research has shown that wolves still use even the narrowest mulched lines. ‘Typical low-impact seismic operations in the oil sands can directly remove up to 15% of forest cover, and seismic lines alone can account for more than half of the total disturbance footprint associated with SAGD operations. We know that simply cutting narrower lines does not adequately achieve conservation goals for caribou, and more and more research is showing that
even LIS lines impacts a range of ecological values in undesirable ways, especially so at the very high line densities required for oil sands operations. It’s exciting to help develop a new technology that eliminates the seismic footprint and associated impacts to more fully meet conservation goals while delivering exceptional seismic data quality,’ said Jesse Tigner, senior ecologist, Explor. The Alberta Energy Regulator granted approval to test the PinPoint method through a riparian area where other seismic sources are not permitted. This enhances imaging of caprock and reservoir attributes. Explor was able to acquire the data outside the traditional winter operating season for seismic acquisition in the boreal forest, creating the potential for year-round zero footprint operations.
UK oil and gas industry can create 40,000 jobs in 20 years, says report More than 40,000 new people will need to be recruited into the British oil and gas industry over the next 20 years, including 10,000 in new posts according to a new report. The UKCS Workforce Dynamics Review, by the energy skills body OPITO and Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Oil and Gas Institute, found that while total employment will fall over time, if the industry achieves its ambitions around lower carbon transition, tens of thousands more posts can be safeguarded and around 10,000 people will need to be recruited in emerging digital roles in data analytics, data science, robotics and remote operations. The need to upskill new professionals is vital with an estimated 80,000 workers likely to retire or leave the sector for other reasons by 2035, says the report. Between 2014 and 2017, the industry in the UK lost more than 70,000 direct and indirect jobs (a decline rate of around 10% 26
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per year). Under UK Oil & Gas plans, the industry should be able to sustain more than 130,000 roles in 2035, compared to around 170,000 in 2017. To achieve this, the report calls for closer collaboration between industry and training providers to up-skill and re-skill the workforce and ensure the industry is competing effectively with other sectors for the best candidates. John McDonald, CEO of OPITO said: ‘As the industry emerges from the downturn, it is crucial that we take a longer term look at the future UK oil and gas skills requirements. A new skills strategy will help us to take action now to prepare for emerging roles and ensure the existing workforce is being given opportunities to up-skill.’ He added: ‘The skills strategy that will emerge from the review is likely to include the development of new programmes and courses involving input from employers, 2018
trade unions, governments, agencies, educational establishments and commercial training organisations. To make the most of energy transition opportunities, common standards will be needed across the energy sectors to create a more flexible workforce for the future.’ Professor Paul de Leeuw, director of the RGU Oil and Gas Institute, said: ‘Technology, innovation and the transition to a lower carbon future will reshape the sector. With over 40,000 people potentially entering the industry over the next 20 years. There is a critical role for training providers, vocational institutes and universities to help future-proof the sector and to ensure the UK retains its reputation as a leading energy basin.’ UK operating companies and supply chain companies took part in the data gathering exercise. The workforce data collected totalled 34,000 roles, representing 50% of the gross operated production in the UKCS.
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CGG first quarter results boosted by cash injection CGG reported first quarter net income of $646.6 million (compared to a net loss of $-75 million in Q4 2017 and $-145 million in the first quarter of 2017) as a result of the company’s $760 million recapitalization early in the new year. The company reported a Q1 operating loss of $-67 million on revenues of $246 million, compared to an operating loss of $-8 million on adjusted revenues of $400.7 million in Q4 2017, and an operating loss of $-96 million on revenues of $249 million in the first quarter of 2017. Sophie Zurquiyah, CGG CEO, said: ‘These results continue to confirm an upward trend initiated in 2017 that is bringing improved volumes to GGR and Equipment. Contractual Data Acquisition activities remain challenged by low demand and deteriorated price conditions. ‘In the current context of strengthening oil prices, we observe a gradual market improvement, even as the major oil companies remain very cautious in their spending.’ First quarter segment revenue was $295 million. GGR revenue of $185 million was up 17% from $158 million in Q1 2017 and down 27% from $255 million in Q4 2017. GGR Operating income was $38 million, a 20.7% margin.
Sophie Zurquiyah, CGG CEO.
Multi-Client revenue was $84 million, up 17% year-on-year and down 47% sequentially. Forty four per cent of the fleet was allocated to multi-client programmes compared to 29% in Q1 2017 and 75% in Q4 2017. Multi-client sales were the highest in Brazil and North Sea. Prefunding revenue was $49 million, down 8% year-on-year and 32%
sequentially. Multi-client cash capex was $62 million, up 28% year-on-year and down 30% sequentially. The cash prefunding rate was at 79% versus 110% in Q1 2017 and 82% in Q4 2017. After-sales were $35 million, up 85% year-on-year and down 59% sequentially. Subsurface Imaging & Reservoir revenue was $101 million, up 17% yearon-year and 4% sequentially. Equipment revenue was $66 million, up 103% year-on-year and down 43% sequentially. Equipment made an operating loss of $-10 million. Contractual Data Acquisition made an operating loss of $-34 million on revenue of $61 million. Marine Contractual Data Acquisition revenue was $29 million, down 35% yearon-year and up 192% sequentially. Land and Multi-Physics Data Acquisition revenue was $32 million, up 48% year-on-year and 3% sequentially. Global Capex was $94 million, up 37% year-on-year and down 24% sequentially. Group gross debt was $1.197 billion at the end of March 2018 and group net debt was $659 million. Group liquidity was $538 million.
PGS and TGS team up for 3D multi-client survey offshore Canada PGS and TGS have launched a 3D multi-client project in East Canada. The Tablelands 3D GeoStreamer survey will cover approximately 8000 km2 in an active Newfoundland area of the Flemish Pass and Orphan Basins. Acquisition is expected to complete in late Q3 2018. After this eighth consecutive season of data acquisition offshore East Canada, the jointly owned library will have more than 175,000 km of 2D GeoStreamer data and approximately 28
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36,500 km2 of 3D GeoStreamer data. An expansive well log library is also available in the region, along with advanced multi-client interpretation products that will improve play, trend and prospect delineation. ‘Tablelands 3D will expand PGS’ data coverage offshore East Canada with high-quality seismic data to an area that is highly relevant for exploration in the attractive Newfoundland basins. The area has proven reservoirs of excellent quality, combined with transparent fiscal 2018
terms and a predictable land tenure system,’ said Rune Olav Pedersen, president and CEO of PGS. Pre-processing of the initial GeoStreamer signal will be performed by PGS onboard its vessel, Ramform Hyperion, after which TGS will perform data processing using its Clari-Fi broadband technology. Fast-track data will be available in Q4 2018 with final data in Q2 2019. The survey area will be seamlessly merged with the Long Range 3D project acquired in 2017.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Brazil receives record 16 bids for latest pre-salt round A record 16 companies have registered to participate in the fourth round of bidding for stakes in Brazil’s pre-salt layer. The Special Bidding Commission (CEL) has approved the applications of 16 companies that have expressed an interest, including BP, ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, Total, Equinor and two Brazilian companies. Last year, 11 companies qualified for the second 2nd round and 15 companies qualified for the third round. Of those qualified, two (DEA Deutsche Erdoel and Petronas Carigali) do not have contracts for exploration and production of oil and natural gas in Brazil. Scheduled for 7 June, the 4th Round offers the areas of Itaimbezinho, Três Marias, Dois Irmãos and Uirapuru, in
the pre-salt of the Campos and Santos basins. The approved companies are: BP, Chevron, CNODC, DEA Deutsche Erdoel, Ecopetrol, ExxonMobil, Petrogal, Petróleo, Petronas Carigali, QPI, Queiroz Galvão, Repsol, Shell, Equinor and Total. Meanwhile, Petrobras is considering a partial sale of four offshore concessions in the Sergipe-Alagoas basin across an exploration area of 44,372 km2. The assets in the Sergipe-Alagoas basin comprise high-quality Upper Cretaceous sandstones deposited in deepwater systems bearing light oil or gas from Albian and Turonian source rocks. Petrobras says that the petroleum system has a success rate of more than 80% on average.
It added that the assets have been derisked with 26 wells drilled to-date and 7000 km2 of seismic data shot. Numerous low-risk prospects have been identified, said Petrobras. Final investment decision for two development plans is expected in late 2020. There have been six big light oil and gas discoveries across four concessions to date (deepwater Cretaceous sandstones): Barra, Farfan, Muriú, Moita Bonita, Poço Verde and Cumbe. Finally, Petrobras’ profits rose by more than a half in the first quarter to a fiveyear high. Petrobras posted a net profit of $1.96 billion, a 56.5% rise year-on-year, helped by asset sales in the Lapa field and the Santos basin and higher oil prices.
HiSeis starts huge 3D survey of Western Australian mine HiSeis’ Vibroseis trucks are carrying out Australia’s biggest 3D seismic survey for minerals exploration. The company spun out of research by Curtin University has been contracted by Independence Group (IGO) to undertake a 60 km2 digital map on the Fraser Range, 160 km east of Norseman in Western Australia. The survey will illuminate the geology around IGO’s new Nova Nickel Mine to a depth of about 5 km, producing a 300 km3 3D image containing around 800 million individual units of information, or voxels. It is hoped the survey will identify extensions to the Nova-Bollinger nickel and copper ore body, which was discovered under deep cover by Sirius Resources in 2012. HiSeis managing director Joe Dwyer said the company, which has conducted seismic surveys for major Australian gold miners St Barbara and Northern Star Resources, said it was the biggest survey in the company’s history. ‘This figure of 60 km2 is unheard of in Australia and (IGO is) one of the top
two or three mining companies globally to ever embark on such an audacious exploration campaign,’ he said. ‘The advantage of the seismic data is that you can image a greater volume of your geology and therefore develop a better understanding of your geology in a shorter timeframe, then hopefully you can identify drill targets that can compress the time frame to the next discovery. You would think in a short period of time after we’ve processed the 3D cube they would hopefully be able to compress that time frame into drilling and hopefully a new discovery.’ IGO managing director Peter Bradford said more than half of the company’s $9 million exploration budget was being spent on the seismic survey. ‘We used the 3D seismic before. We used it at Long back in 2007 and that was key in some of the understanding of the geology towards Macleay and Moran, and we have used it at Tropicana. We’re also aware of some of the external success stories elsewhere in the industry, like the work Northern Star has done at Jundee.’ FIRST
Nova Nickel Mine, Western Australia.
That work identified ‘reflectors’ at Zodiac, a new gold discovery 800 m east of the Jundee mine near Wiluna where Northern Star sank the deepest drill hole in Australian mining exploration history earlier this year. ‘We did the 3D seismic survey over Jundee and the proof is in the pudding for Northern Star in that they’ve got enough information over a cubic kilometre volume of rock that they can drill to 3 km depth at that rock.’ BREAK
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Ninety per cent of oil and gas executives expect more M&A activity Nine out of ten oil and gas executives now expect the global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market to improve in the next 12 months, according to EY’s Oil & Gas Global Capital Confidence Barometer (CCB). The CCB found that oil and gas companies represented the highest ‘deal-making appetite’ among all sectors surveyed, with 62% of executives intending to pursue M&A in the next 12 months. Sixty-eight per cent expect to continue going head-to-head with private equity (PE), particularly for pre-development upstream assets or later life mature assets.
The report anticipates, however, that increasing activity among PE players and the adoption of more innovative transaction structures will drive upstream M&A in 2018. EY’s CCB also revealed that 90% of oil and gas sector executives viewed global economic growth as improving or stable. Oil and gas respondents cited inflation (49%) and market volatility (40%) as the biggest risks to investment plans. ‘An improving macro environment evidenced by indicators, such as oil price stabilization and continued growth in demand, along with economic discipline
Cuadrilla goes to court to protect UK shale operations
Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla.
Cuadrilla has has secured a new injunction in the UK High Court to protect its shale gas exploration operations at Preston New Road, Lancashire. This will outlaw ‘lock–ons, (chaining oneself to an object or another person to deliberately prevent access) and climbing on to, or slow walking in front of, vehicles accessing or leaving the site. Disruption of Cuadrilla’s supply chain by, for example, blockading supplier properties would also be covered by the proposed injunction. Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, said before the injunction was granted: ‘Whilst we respect the right to peaceful 30
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and legal protest, unfortunately over the last 18 months we have seen an extraordinarily high level of unlawful protest activity. This has been directed at and impacted not just our workers but also our suppliers and other law-abiding citizens using the main road passing our site for their normal daily activities. We hope that if we can secure this injunction it will deter this unlawful behaviour which continues to cost local taxpayers millions of pounds. Meanwhile, the British government has launched new measures to support shale gas development. The package includes measures to streamline the regulation process for shale applications to speed up decision making. This will include the setting up of a Shale Environmental Regulator and new Planning Brokerage Service; a £1.6 million shale support fund over the next two years to build capacity in local authorities dealing with shale applications; a consultation on the principle of whether the early stages of shale exploration should be treated as permitted development; and a consultation on including shale projects on to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects list. 2018
by OPEC and non-OPEC members, has raised confidence in oil and gas executives over the past six months, according to the latest edition of the Capital Confidence Barometer,’ said Andy Brogan, EY global oil and gas transactions leader. ‘However, there are headwinds. Oil and gas respondents cite rising inflation and market volatility as the biggest risks to their investment plans, as oil prices rise and oilfield services company look to renegotiate contracts at higher rates. At the same time, executives view political uncertainty and geopolitical tensions as their biggest risks to growth,’ he added.
Iran and Egypt define upcoming bid rounds The National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC) plans to develop 28 oil reserves in southern Iran through operation-based contracts in a bid to attract $4.6 billion in investment. Twenty-nine investment packages have been defined among which 11 packages received necessary licenses to go on tender. In the past two years NISOC has signed various contracts with foreign companies including the UK’s Pergas, Schlumberger and Russia’s Tatneft. Meanwhile, Egypt will launch two international bid rounds for oil and gas exploration in 2018, its Petroleum Ministry said. One bid round will cover 16 sectors under the state-company EGAS, while the other will cover 11 sectors under the Egyptian General Petroleum Corp (EGPC), the statement says.
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CGG enhances petrophysical analysis software CGG GeoSoftware has launched PowerLog 9.7.2, the latest version of its flagship petrophysical analysis software. The new PowerLog ecosystem offers access to extensive machine learning and learning capabilities and many numerical analysis and visualization libraries. Users can now develop custom interpretation modules and workflows to generate permeability models in carbonates, porosity and permeability models in unconventional reservoirs, or model missing log curves and use data clustering for facies classification. ‘The native implementation of Python Extensions in PowerLog 9.7.2 is
a game-changer, enabling users to take advantage of open-source Python utilities and programs that include hundreds of scientific calculation, data analysis and visualization libraries and programs,’ said CGG. Other new features in PowerLog 9.7.2 facilitate better data management, improved workflows, and greater ease in developing advanced interpretation modules. CGG said that this will make it easier for petrophysicists, geophysicists, geologists and reservoir engineers to collaborate to gain greater insight into subsurface rock and fluid properties.
A new filtering tool allows searches of large databases for relevant information and assembles that information into groups for ease of access. Enhancements include an improved well selector, and Windows-linking that enables users to set up preferred interpretation workflows including multiple viewers and processors. They can then scroll through a list of wells and simultaneously switch the well on all viewers and processors. ‘This dramatically improves the ability to analyse large data sets more quickly and effectively – a huge advantage when dealing with the large number of wells which is common in areas such as the Permian Basin in Texas,’ said CGG.
DataCloud launches cloud-based model for mine operators DataCloud has launched MinePortal, a cloud-based ‘earth model’ platform for real-time management and analysis of rock data that enables mine operators to process massive volumes of drilling and geoscience data and improve orebody delineation and fragmentation. In addition to its rock visualization and real-time data processing and analytics
capabilities, the SaaS-based MinePortal platform provides normalized mechanical specific energy (MSE) calculations in real time that can be seamlessly exported to blast planning software; next-bench-down predictions powered by machine learning, providing hardness and grade maps before blast hole drilling; and MSE-to-mill tracking that optimizes powder factors by
correlating MSE in a muck pile location to the amount of energy required to crush that same volume of rock in the mill. The MinePortal platform can integrate all DataCloud technology solutions, including the new RHINO seismic while drilling (SWD) sensors, and DigitalGeology, the company’s turnkey rock image processing and interpretation suite.
Abu Dhabi launches $45 billion energy investment fund The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has unveiled plans to invest $45 billion over the next five years in its bid to become a leading global downstream player. At the Ruwais Industrial Complex, ADNOC will create the world’s largest integrated refining and petrochemicals complex, where it will develop a large32
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scale, manufacturing ecosystem in Ruwais through the creation of new petrochemical derivatives and conversion Parks. The Ruwais Derivatives Park will be built on a 6 km2 area adjacent to, and fully integrated with, the larger Ruwais complex. The Ruwais Derivatives Park will act as a prime catalyst for the next stage of 2018
petrochemical transformation by inviting partners to invest and produce new products and solutions from the growing range of feedstocks that are available in Ruwais. This will enable the creation of numerous new petrochemical activities and value chains, in such fields as construction chemicals, oil and gas chemicals, surfactants and detergents.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Spectrum reports big first quarter loss Spectrum has reported an adjusted first quarter net loss of $-113 million on revenues of $26. 9 million compared with a net loss of $-3.7 million on revenues of $25.3 million in the first quarter of 2017 and a net loss of $-14 million on revenues of $46 million in Q4 2017. The company made an operating loss of $-669,000 in Q1 2018 compared with $-2.7 million in Q1 2017 and $-7 million in Q4 2017. Spectrum invested $22 million in its multi-client library and reported multi-cli-
ent revenues of $26 million, which were up 6% on Q1 2017. Late sales were $13 million. The company’s operating cashflow is $28 million. ‘The Board sees signs of increasing demand for multi-client seismic data from clients in 2018,’ says the company’s results statement. ‘Spectrum believes a combination of a higher oil price, a significant reduction of break-even for offshore O&G projects in general, and deep-water projects especially, and a record low reserve replacement ratio
(RRR) for the oil industry will lead to a gradual recovery in the seismic market in 2018 and into 2019. ‘There are clear indications that several of the large international oil companies are moving more resources and exploration budgets to the south Atlantic, especially Brazil. Spectrum’s investments have predominantly been in the less developed O&G regions in the South Atlantic over the last years, and we believe that this strategy will prove advantageous,’ the statement adds.
CGG completes big Oklahoma 3D land survey CGG has completed acquisition of its Chickasha 3D survey in Grady and Caddo Counties, Oklahoma, US. CGG has also purchased the rights to the Ft. Reno 3D survey in Canadian County, adding to its data library in the area. The addition of these two surveys, along with its Yukon survey, will provide extensive coverage of the Scoop and Stack play in the Anadarko Basin and will provide CGG’s clients with greater insight into the geology of the area.
Imaging of all three data sets will deliver better understanding of the facies distribution of the Meramec, Osage and Woodford play intervals in the Scoop and Stack. A preliminary pre-stack time-migration (PSTM) is complete and a 5D interpolated PSTM will be available in Q2 2018. This will pave the way for a full Reservoir Optimization Package (ROP) on both the Chickasha Merge and Yukon 3D surveys. Luc Schlumberger, EVP, Multi-Client & New Ventures, CGG, said: ‘Strong
industry support and interest encouraged us to expand our high-quality data library into these new areas of the Anadarko Basin.’
Ion starts 2D programme offshore Canada Ion Geophysical has launched a new 2D multi-client programme offshore Grand
Cliffs on the Newfoundland coast.
Banks in Newfoundland, Canada. In the first phase of GrandSPAN, ION will acquire 10,000 km of data and a second phase of 5000 km of data farther south is expected in 2019. The programme will investigate the architecture, evaluate the petroleum potential of proven basins and understand the geologic differences between producing and non-producing areas. GrandSPAN will integrate with two other Ion BasinSPAN programmes in the area, providing a contiguous regional seismic data set in excess of 20,000 km offshore northeast Canada. ION expects acquisition to begin this summer with initial data available in Q3 2018. FIRST
‘There has been a significant amount of oil and gas activity offshore northeast Canada for some time,’ said Joe Gagliardi, senior vice-president of ION’s E&P Business Development group. ‘However, exploration efforts to date have been fragmented, with a limited understanding of small geographic areas. This programme is designed to understand on a regional scale differences between basins in the area and why some exploration wells were successful and others were not. This kind of information provides E&P companies with new insights to more cost-effectively explore and develop acreage in this area.’ BREAK
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INDUSTRY NEWS
CGG integrates its digital geoscience tools
Canada makes positive statement on renewables
CGG GeoConsulting has launched the Robertson New Ventures Suite, an integrated family of exploration-focused geoscience tools and databases. The six core products of the suite are Basins & Plays, Geochemistry, Plate Kinematics, Predictions, Provenance and Analogues. Built on the brands of Tellus,
Canada has announced that it is joining the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) — the world’s largest intergovernmental organization driving the deployment of sustainable renewable energy. As a member country, Canada will benefit from international trade opportunities for Canadian clean tech companies. Since IRENA’s creation in 2011, Canada has participated in several joint studies, reports and international events on deployment of renewables. Jim Carr, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, said: ‘Canada and IRENA have the shared objectives of promoting the widespread deployment and sustainable use of renewable energy. Renewable energy presents tremendous economic opportunities for Canada and will result in investments, good middle-class jobs for Canadians and a cleaner planet for future generations.
Frogi, Plate Wizard, Merlin+, ProvBase and ERGO, the updated products have been integrated and renamed as part of GeoConsulting’s GeoVerse digitalization programme that is providing a common architecture and taxonomy across the New Ventures Suite, allowing for optimum interoperability and more exploration workflows.
Standard UK oil and gas contract is simplified Contracts for UK oil-and-gas services have been simplified with the launch of the latest edition of the Standard Contract for General Conditions of Contract for Purchase of Goods. The latest contract model has been launched by LOGIC (Leading Oil & Gas Industry Competitiveness), a not-for-profit organisation and subsidiary of Oil & Gas UK. Graham Elgie, managing director of LOGIC, said: ‘This Standard Contract is one of a suite of ten templates that LOGIC has developed over many years to simplify
transactional processes relating to different areas of offshore oil and gas activity as part of improving the sector’s competitiveness. ‘LOGIC’s templates for contract negotiations are valued by legal and industry professionals – with over 25,000 downloads recorded since they were first published online. This helps to improve the efficiency of commercial transactions in the basin and supports collective efforts to standardize processes across the sector to ensure it has a competitive environment in which it can thrive.’
Royal Dutch Shell makes big deep-water discovery in US Gulf of Mexico
Shell has now made six discoveries in the Norphlet geologic play.
Shell has announced a large, deep-water discovery in the Norphlet geologic play in the US Gulf of Mexico. The Dover discovery is Shell’s sixth in the Norphlet and encountered more than 800 net feet of pay (244 m). The discovery is located approx. 13 miles from 34
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the Appomattox host and is considered an attractive potential tieback. Shell’s Appomattox host has now arrived on location in the US Gulf of Mexico and is expected to start production before the end of 2019. Shell said that its major, deep-water hubs are well positioned for production 2018
expansion through near-field exploration and additional subsea tiebacks. The company expects its global, deep-water production to exceed 900,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2020, from already discovered, established areas.
INDUSTRY NEWS
PGS reprocesses 5000 km2 of data offshore Congo PGS, in partnership with SNPC, has launched a 3D depth reprocessed dataset covering more than 5000 km2 offshore Congo. This project will support the forthcoming shallow-water phase of the Republic of Congo licensing round in the Offshore Congo Coastal Basin. The Congo Shelf, also known as the Peu Profonde area, presents explorers with ample opportunities to exploit presalt plays and rift structures in prolific shallow-water acreage, close to existing infrastructure, said PGS. Mesozoic salt basins with associated fields and discoveries extend across this area to the present-day onshore.
BRIEFS
‘The Congo MegaSurveyPlus dataset promises full broadband prestack depth migration quality, following reprocessing of field data for nine legacy 3D surveys, acquired from 1989 to 2009,’ said PGS. Phase 1 will include more than 1500 km2 including open blocks Marine XXV and Marine XXVI (formerly Marine IV). Data will be delivered in Q3. Phase 2 will inlude more 3500 km2 including the remaining open blocks. Data will be dlivered in Q1 2019. PGS’ prestack depth-migrated products will include Kirchhoff full and angle stacks, RTM stacks, raw beam stacks, offset gathers and nav-seis merged field data.
Fairfield Nodal and WesternGeco start final phase of Texas land basin Fairfield Nodal and WesternGeco have begun data acquisition in the third and final phase of their Coyanosa Survey, a joint-venture multi-client project in the southern Delaware Basin of West Texas. Phases I and II of the survey were completed in March and data will be released in early Q3. Phase I consists of 316 miles2 in Ward, Reeves, and Pecos counties; Phase II adds 282 miles2 of 3D seismic data. Phase III consists of 414 miles2 of data in Pecos County, Texas, including the Bone Spring and Wolfcamp formations. Dawson
Geophysical is providing all acquisition services for the Coyanosa Survey. It anticipates completion of Phase III by mid-September. When this final phase is completed, Coyanosa will provide approx. 1000 miles2 of regional seismic data to clients developing Bone Spring and Wolfcamp reservoirs in the prolific Southern Delaware Basin. This new data adjoins FairfieldNodal’s Barilla Draw and WesternGeco’s Unity Phase 1 and Jumano surveys. All Coyanosa Survey data is expected to be available as early as Q1 2019.
Australia tenders 21 oil and gas blocks Australia is tendering 21 areas for offshore oil and gas leases in its annual Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release. The 2018 acreage is spread across six sedimentary basins in Commonwealth waters offshore of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and the Ashmore and Cartier Islands. Sixteen areas are available for bidding and five areas for
cash bidding. The areas are located in water depths of 15 to 4534 m, vary in size from 80 km² to 12,128 km² and also vary in level of existing geological knowledge. All areas are supported by geological and geophysical data and analysis undertaken by Geoscience Australia. The release areas have been nominated by industry. FIRST
Equinor, Shell, Anadark, CNOOC and Petronas, are among the companies to have registered interest in Argentina’s offshore oil and gas auction, expected in late November. The country is also offering incentives for oil companies exploring its Vaca Muerta shale play. Egypt has approved a $105 million exploration agreement with Eni and the Egyptian company Tharwa to search in the Mediterranean for oil and gas off the coast of northern Sinai. Eni and Tharwa will drill two wells in the next six years. Shearwater Geoservices has won two 4D surveys in the North Sea that will be conducted back-to-back over two months in the second quarter. ‘Over the last month, Shearwater has announced confirmed backlog of more than 15 vessel months over the next two quarters. We see this as a signal of a slowly improving market.’ said Irene Waage Basili, CEO of Shearwater. Ghana is set to award nine new upstream oil blocks off its western coast. Six blocks will be awarded this year and three next year through a mix of open competitive tender and direct negotiations. State oil company Ghana National Petroleum Corporation will acquire one of the blocks with a partner to develop its technical capacity and become an operator. New Zealand has estimated the country’s gas reserves have been reduced by 5% to just under 1985 petajoules after the government’s ban on new offshore oil exploration. Figures show New Zealand’s gas supplies will last for another 10.5 years. The main driver of the decline is a 27.2% decrease in gas reserves at the large Pohokura gas field, off the northern coast of Taranaki. Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has opened up six blocks including Marwat, Kohat, Goragulto, Wali, Latamber and Paharpur. The blocks have been dormant for ten years.
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NEWS RELEASE
June 5, 2018. Calgary, Canada.
Please contact us for more information.
CALENDAR
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 8-9 NOVEMBER 2018
First EAGE/IGA/DGMK Joint Workshop on Deep Geothermal Energy
www.eage.org • Strasbourg, France
August 2018 11-17 Aug
GeoBaikal 2018
Irkutsk
Russia
Oslo
Norway
Barcelona
Spain
Cheng Du
China
Barcelona
Spain
Porto
Portugal
Gelendzhik
Russia
Barcelona
Spain
Rueil-Malmaison
France
www.eage.org
22-24 Aug
Marine Acquisition Workshop 2018 www.eage.org
September 2018 3-6 Sept
ECMOR XVI 2018
5-7 Sept
Unconventionals in China – The Next 10 Years
7 Sept
EAGE/ TNO Workshop on OLYMPUS Field Development Optimization
9-13 Sept
Near Surface Geoscience Conference and Exhibition 2018
10-14 Sept
EAGE Geomodel 2018
17-20 Sept
DMG Gastech 2018
18-20 Sept
First EAGE/IFPEN Conference on Sulfur Risk Management in E&P (SRM 2018)
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.gastechevent.com
www.eage.org
EAGE Events
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21-22 Sept
First EAGE Workshop on High Performance Computing for Upstream in Latin America
24-26 Sept
SPE SPE ATCE 2018
www.eage.org
www.atce.org
Santander
Colombia
Dallas
USA
Cape Town
South Africa
Muscat
Oman
Perth
Australia
Anaheim
USA
Tunis
Tunisia
Bintulu
Malaysia
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Cape Town
South Africa
Strasbourg
France
Yangon
Myanmar
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
October 2018 1-3 Oct
Future Energy Africa 2018: Conference and Exhibition
1-4 Oct
Second EAGE Workshop on Geochemistry in Petroleum Operations and Production
10-11 Oct
EAGE Workshop on Continuous Improvement in 4D Seismic
14-17 Oct
SEG International Exposition and 88th Annual Meeting
22-24 Oct
The 14Th Tunisian Exploration & Productions Conference
29-30 Oct
EAGE Symposium on Maximising Carbonate Asset Values through Collaboration and Innovative Solutions
www.futureenergyafrica.com
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.seg.org
www.etap.com.tn/index.php?id=1048
www.eage.org
November 2018 5-8 Nov
Second EAGE/SPE Geosteering and Well Placement Workshop
5-9 Nov
Africa Oil Week 2018
8-9 Nov
EAGE/IGA/DGMK Joint Workshop on Deep Geothermal Energy
13-15 Nov
2018 EAGE Fourth AAPG/EAGE/MGS Myanmar Oil & Gas Conference
18-20 Nov
EAGE Workshop on 4D Seismic and Reservoir Monitoring
21-23 Nov
Fifth CO2 Geological Storage Workshop
Utrecht
Netherlands
26 Nov
Young Professionals Summit
London
United Kingdom
27-29 Nov
EAGE/SBGF Workshop on Least-Squares Migration
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
29-30 Nov
First EAGE/PESGB Workshop on Machine Learning: European Edition
London
United Kingdom
30 Nov
First EAGE/BVG Workshop on Reservoir and Geomechanics
Bochum
Germany
EAGE Events
www.eage.org
www.africa-oilweek.com
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
www.eage.org
Non-EAGE Events
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Fifth CO2 Geological Storage Workshop LATEST ADVANCES AND THE WAY FORWARD 21-23 N OV E M B E R 2 018 • U T R E C H T, T H E N E T H E R L A N D S
The Fifth CO2 Geological Storage Workshop will take place this year in Utrecht from 21-23 November 2018. The objective of this workshop is to present key advances made and discuss remaining technology gaps as well as review a way forward. The need to develop international scientific workforces is needed to tackle specific challenges, as well as methods and tools that can demonstrate a safe and environmentally sound future for CO2 storage developments. Submit your abstract via events.eage.org and speak at this workshop! There will be six main sessions covering a wide variety of scientific subjects:
W W W. E AG E .O R G
Session Session Session Session Session Session
1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6:
Characterization, Risk and Impact Assessment Reservoir Management and CO2 EOR Infrastructure and CO2 impurity implications Storage Monitoring and Remediation Demonstration Cases and Non-Technical Challenges The Future
Submit your abstract until 1 August 2018
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Sixth EAGE Shale Workshop 2 8 A P R I L - 2 M AY 2 019 • B O R D E AU X , F R A N C E
The 6th EAGE workshop on shales will be held in the picturesque and historic city of Bordeaux. You are invited to submit abstracts and participate in one of the world’s premier workshops describing the state-of-the-art in shale research. The workshop is very much a multi-disciplinary and multi-industry affair, attracting representatives from academia, research institutes and the nuclear, petroleum and water industries. Given the complexity of shales, we invite submissions on multiple research topics and from all relevant industries. Contributions on specific topics are welcome, as are integrated case studies working across a range of scales and disciplines. For more details on the topics and submission guidelines, visit the event website via events.eage.org
W W W. E AG E .O R G
Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 November 2018
Submit your Abstract
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Mexico Well Data The Missing Piece
TGS has been authorized by the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH) to process and deliver high-quality, high-value well data products to companies exploring in offshore and onshore Mexico. TGS’ complete Mexico well data packages offer workstation ready subsurface data including: • Well Logs in LAS+ format • SmartRasters • Validated Well Headers • With available Directional Survey, Checkshot, Mud LAS, and other critical data These packages provide key coverage of all basins including exploration, appraisal and development wells with ties to TGS’ existing offshore 2D survey, Gigante, and are complemented by TGS’ reprocessed onshore Mexico 2D seismic datasets, including plans to build interpretive products covering the area. TGS processes hundreds of wells weekly and has a suite of data currently available to help you prepare for upcoming bid rounds. Evaluate petroleum systems from Mexico’s offshore deep water to conventional and unconventional onshore plays with TGS’ comprehensive well data packages. TGS, where successful exploration begins.
Visit us at EAGE Booth #1520.
See the energy at TGS.com © 2017 TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA. All rights reserved.
CUBA
PRE�ANNOUNCEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL BID ROUND, 2018 Cuba is coming out with a plan to launch a formal bid round at the Cuba Oil & Gas Summit in December, 2018. The round will run from Q4, 2018 until Q2, 2019. It will focus on around 50 exploration blocks in the Cuban sector of the Gulf of Mexico. BGP Offshore has acquired a 2D Multi-Client survey in offshore Cuba after being awarded a contract by Cupet as shown in following map. Newly released 26,880km of 2D PSTM & PSDM data are available to license from BGP. BGP’s Multi-Client Seismic acquisition, Offshore Cuba Bidding/Offered
Contract
A representative section from Offshore Cuba
Tel: +86-22-66225097 Email:multiclient@bgp.com.cn Web: www.bgp.com.cn