Integrated Geoscience Study Extends the Life of a Major Mature Asset: Onshore PZ, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia

Summary The mature onshore Partitioned Zone (PZ) between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia covers an area of 5,512 km2 and contains five major oil fields. A key question often asked is whether there is additional exploitable hydrocarbon resources in the PZ that could extend the life of this major asset. Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC) recently acquired and processed a new high-resolution 3D seismic survey covering the entire PZ. This and all other available geoscientific and well data were interpreted and analysed to identify, risk and rank new exploration prospects/leads throughout the entire stratigraphic column. A detailed multi-disciplinary integrated geoscience study was undertaken for all proven and potential reservoir layers. This led to the build of a high-resolution, multi-layered 3D petroleum systems model (3DPSM) focusing on the complex interactions of multiple source rocks, migration pathways and proven and probable producing horizons. A number of prospects/leads, are described in detail and incorporated into a ranked Exploration Portfolio. This portfolio includes prospects/leads for both potential oil and gas bearing reservoirs contained within both structural closures and stratigraphic pinch-outs. Ultimately, this new Exploration Portfolio will extend the hydrocarbon potential of the PZ through until the mid. 21st century.