Significant gas/condensate discoveries in Hades and Iris prospects, Norway 

The exploration well 6506/11-10 targeted two formations: The Cretaceous Hades prospect and the Jurassic Iris prospect located directly underneath. The well has been drilled to a total depth of 4536 m (MD). Preliminary results based on coring, wireline logs, fluid sampling and pressure data show that the well has encountered gas/condensate bearing reservoir within both prospects.

Hades Discovery

In the Hades prospect, at a depth of 3932 m (MD), the well encountered a c. 35 m gross gas/condensate column within the Cretaceous Lange Formation of which 15 m are net reservoir sandstones of moderate to good reservoir quality. Preliminary gross volumes of recoverable hydrocarbons for the Hades prospect are estimated to be 19 – 113 million boe, exceeding pre-drill estimates.

Iris Discovery

In the Iris prospect, at a depth of 4223 m (MD), the well encountered a 218 m, high net-to-gross sandstone interval, within the Jurassic Garn Formation, containing a 93 m column of gas/condensate. Within the gas/condensate column, net reservoir has been estimated at 85 m, consisting of sandstones of moderate to excellent reservoir quality. Pressure data indicates that the Hades and Iris prospects are separate hydrocarbon accumulations. Preliminary gross volumes of recoverable hydrocarbons for the Iris prospect are estimated to be 19 – 132 million boe, exceeding pre-drill estimates.

Location within proximity to production infrastructure

The Iris and Hades discoveries are located approximately 8 km to the north of the producing Morvin Field and 20 km to the northwest of the Åsgard Complex, where large quantities of gas and condensate continue to be produced and transported to several landing points on the European continent.

Appraisal programme to be initiated

All data from the two discoveries are being assimilated and a follow-up appraisal programme is now being considered by the operator and partners.

The well was drilled by the Deepsea Bergen semi-submersible drilling rig. Licences PL 644 and PL 644 B are both operated by OMV (Norge) AS (30%), Faroe Petroleum Norge AS (20%), with partners Statoil Petroleum AS (40%)1 and Spirit Energy Norge AS (10%). The well will now be plugged and abandoned as planned.

Graham Stewart, Chief Executive of Faroe Petroleum, commented:

“We are very pleased to announce significant discoveries in both the Hades and Iris prospects; both are well in excess of pre-drill estimates.  These discoveries are located in one of our core areas and build on Faroe’s already significant position in the Norwegian Sea.

“The Hades and Iris prospects, previously known as Aerosmith and Zappa respectively, have been part of Faroe’s portfolio for many years, forming the main part of a successful APA licence application made in 2009. It is extremely gratifying to see both of these prospects delivering significant discoveries, further confirming Faroe’s consistent and industry-leading exploration track record, which has directly and indirectly generated approximately 75% of our 2P reserves.

“Aside from the ongoing Fogelberg appraisal well, results from which are expected shortly, the Company’s exploration programme continues over the remainder of the year, with three further committed exploration wells in Norway: the Rungne (Faroe-operated), Cassidy and Pabow wells.”

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/05042018/significant-gascondensate-discoveries-in-hades-and-iris-prospects-norway/