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The history of oil exploration in Kuwait stretches way into the past, to the earliest discoveries and commercial developments of the oil fields. At those days, geologists would identify possible locations of underground oil by examining and mapping the rocks on the ground and from photographs taken from the air. The exploration methods were basic and, consequently, drilling success rate was not very high.
Development of both Geological and Geophysical techniques that can “see” under the earth’s surface provided the necessary tools for accurate mapping of the shape and location of the subsurface rock structures. These included methods such as gravity and magnetic studies and the seismic refraction and reflection techniques and they were quickly implemented by KOC Explorationists. Although early seismic 2D data acquired in Kuwait was of low quality compared to today’s standards, KOC Exploration recognized its value and importance and has continued to support the development and usage of seismic surveys in Kuwait.
From 1995 to 1998, KOC Exploration undertook extensive acquisition of both 2D and 3D seismic data across the entire State of Kuwait. 2D data was acquired over the whole land surface of Kuwait. Totaling over 14,000-line km, it was then the world’s largest seismic survey. In addition, 3D seismic surveys were acquired over the known oil fields, totaling over 4,800 sq km. Whereas the objectives of the 2D seismic were primarily exploration, the 3D surveys focused on developing the existing and known oil reservoirs within the relatively shallow Cretaceous section. Using the latest field methods for acquiring data end the most advanced software packages for processing and interpretation, Exploration Group has achieved great advances in its understanding of the oil and gas potentials of the State of Kuwait.
The interpretation of all geological and geophysical data is a continual and undergoing process by several Interpretational Teams under Exploration Group. The Teams are using the most advanced interpretational software and hardware, utilizing advanced tools for reservoir characterization and fulfilling the objectives for both, Exploration and Field Development Groups.
The presence of large volumes of gas in Kuwait will allow the country to be self sufficient in this valuable resource. Exploration Group is aware of the presence of gas using its existing seismic data. However, detailed mapping of this deep, Jurassic and older formations require acquisition of new, state of the art 3D data, preparations for which is undergoing at present time.
Extensive Exploration drilling programs have been planned, the recent exploration drilling activities show that Exploration Group has achieved great success in discovering hydrocarbons in newly explored areas and more important the discovery of new reservoirs within the deep Jurassic and Paleozoic sediments which improves the potential of gas exploration.
Seismic data acquisition and processing technology is constantly under development with the purpose of producing technical solutions to new and increasingly complex data imaging problems. KOC Exploration Group is currently in the process of preparation and finalization of the Documentation for the new 3D acquisition Survey. The Survey will address several objectives on prospect evaluation and Reserve estimates and as such is recognized as an important tool both for Exploration and Field Development Groups.
KOC Exploration continue to use leading edge technologies to achieve the company’s strategic goals of finding oil reserves for Kuwait. Four dimensional (4D) seismic survey pilot studies have been conducted to identify how oil and water move through the rocks inside the producing reservoirs. Preparations for full field 4D seismic survey are currently in advanced stage. Worldwide, KOC is recognized as being at the forefront of this methodology. Provisions for three component (3C) and high resolution Land 3D Surveys are nearly completed, too.
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From the Exploration Group point of view, the business drivers are clearly defined by the amount of oil and gas reserves that need to be discovered and added to KOC assets in the near future. Technology challenges that resulted from those business needs can be identified as follows:
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Oil Exploration: accurate mapping of known reservoirs within Cretaceous formations and their lateral extensions, highly sampled seismic data can open numerous possibilities in data processing and reservoir characterization (4D, AVO/AVA, inversion to acoustic impedance). |
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Stratigraphic Plays: Identification and mapping of stratigraphic traps are recognized to add reserves by drilling, play elements can be identified by studying facies, diagenesis, baffles etc. and assessment teams are concentrating on this issues. |
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Deep, sour, HTHP drilling conditions in Jurassic horizons and below. Kuwait deep exploration wells present some of the most challenging drilling conditions in the industry. Multiple loss zones from surface to TD require multiple, heavy wall casing strings to be run to isolate critical intervals. Mud weights to 20.0+ ppg are encountered, with narrow windows between pore pressures and frac gradients.
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Deep HPHT Well Testing carried out in high mud weight / H2S environment. Jurassic wells require 15,000-psi equipment, and Triassic may require surface equipment required to 20,000 psi plus. These are on the edge of what is achievable in industry. |
In addition, overall seismic resolution, understanding of the source rock and other geochemical aspects, structural analysis and regional mapping as well as basin modeling, remain on the list of challenges that KOC Exploration will be facing in an efforts to fulfill its strategic objectives.
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Key objective for Exploration Group is to provide a safe and healthy operating environment for the Group’s employees, contractors and the public, and to respect the interests of the local communities.
Exploration activities which have the ability to impact the public and environment include seismic acquisition and drilling operations. KOC Exploration group recognizes these potential impacts on the communities and environment, and is committed to taking proactive steps to minimize any adverse effects on people and environment due to exploration activities.
Various strategies with the objective of causing no harm to employees, contractors, customers, the general public or to the environment are in place. Those strategies are in line with various national and KOC Health, Safety and Environmental standards and include training of the staff, safety audits and rig site visits and emergency exercises with full commitment and awareness of every employee.
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Exploration staff is considered to be the most important assets. Success has been established by the variety and diversity of the Exploration people and their experience. Key objective is development of all staff to their full potential in order to raise the level of their skills to that seen in International Oil Companies by year 2005. Estimating and updating the manpower needs, managing and implementing a staff development programs, assessing the leadership qualities, encouraging teamwork and regularly reviewing staff performance are some of the strategies related to achieving that objective.
Exploration staff is encouraged to prepare and present papers at the various Forums, Seminars, Technical Meetings and International Conferences in Kuwait, the GCC Region and wider. These efforts are showing Exploration Group continuing commitment in trying new and innovative techniques through research and technology implementation process.
The continued development of Kuwait citizens is of key importance for KOC Exploration. The possibility of a Scholarship Programs for continued education of Kuwait citizens in key disciplines of Geology and Geophysics is being explored.
KOC and Exploration Group are committed to provide the staff with healthy, friendly and social working environment that encourages them to use all skills to the maximum benefit to the Company.
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