The Value of 3D Seismic in Field Development

ABSTRACT Since 3 Dimensional Seismic Surveys were introduced in the North Sea in 1976 Shell Expro has carried out ten such Surveys covering most of their fields. The 3D seismic method is considered as a tool of growing importance for field development, especially for the marginal and economically sensistive fields. Appraisal and development drilling indicates that most fields are often more complex than originally anticipated. Interpreted 3D seismic data available in the pre-development phase of a field's life in combination with appraisal well data could substantially support sound decisions on platform construction, drilling slots, and field development drilling. In the example discussed, we show that an early understanding of complicated reservoir structures and structural discontinuities is a pre-requisite for optimum development of a complex structural-stratigraphic trap, such as the Cormorant Field (fig. 1).