Using High–density OBC Seismic to Optimise the Andrew Satellites Development

Successful development of the Andrew satellite fields (Central North Sea) will depend strongly on the ability to place development wells in an optimal position in the poorly imaged, subtle structures. Towed-streamer seismic quality is poor at the Palaeocene reservoir level due to the presence of anomalously fast Eocene sand channels in the overburden. In order to achieve a step change in data quality, a 140 km2 high shot density, wide-azimuth Ocean Bottom Cable (OBC) seismic survey has been acquired over Kinnoull, Kidd and Farragon. The survey was acquired between December 2008 and July 2009, and the processed P/Z product was on the workstation in December 2009. The new high-density OBC data has been very successful in improving the imaging below the Eocene channels. Signal to Noise and resolution have been improved, resulting in reservoir reflections that can be interpreted with a lot more confidence. The OBC data has also allowed a better estimation of the zero offset and gradient AVO products. The improved seismic quality will play an important role in optimising well trajectories and help de-risk upside development options.