Unravelling the Tertiary Hydrocarbon Potential of Ultradeep Water Blocks in Lower Congo Basin, Angola

Exploration in the deepwater blocks of Lower Congo basin is focussed on turbidite sands deposited by the paleo Congo delta. These turbidites extend into the frontier ultradeep province comprising of blocks 46 to 50. The turbidites continue beneath large salt overhangs and thus form large associated traps with an effective seal. If successfully explored, this sub-salt play could add significant quantities of hydrocarbon reserves in this region. Sub salt imaging is highly compromised in the 3D seismic data. To address this WesternGeco Multiclient reprocessed 7922 sq. km of 3D seismic data over blocks 46. 47 and 48. The latest reprocessing techniques enhance the image beneath salt and reduce structural uncertainty of potential traps. This points the way forward toward the future risk mitigation of sub salt hydrocarbon prospects.