The Orca Gas Field, Reservoir Characterization Challenges on Early Appraisal Periods

Orca is a Mid Paleocene gas field located in the Rovuma Basin and within Area-1, a block in northern offshore Mozambique. The geological assessment of Orca has been based on the integrated interpretation of data from 5 wells and poor quality 3D seismic data. Although the initial evaluation indicates that the gas resources are significant, the structural definition, the depositional environment interpretation, the reservoir quality and connectivity remain important geological uncertainties on Orca. To be viable, Orca needs to reach a minimum economic threshold. The current dataset does not allow a decision on the commerciality of the field but, the identification and characterization of key geological uncertainties constitute an important tool to constrain future appraisal activities which will support the commercial evaluation of Orca.