An Integrated Approach for Development of KG Offshore Marginal Fields

Abstract A number of discoveries in Tertiary Sequence have been made in shallow water Krishna Godavari offshore along with several new pools. These discoveries are spread over an area of 130 sq.km, lie in water depths ranging from 8 m to 20 metres and are located at a maximum distance of approx.15 km from shore. Some of the discoveries having substantial volumes in this area have already been commercialised and put on production since 2001. As these discoveries are dispersed in scattered pockets, it is imperative that the development plan considers an economically viable integrated approach. Innovative technical and commercial advances have enabled operators worldwide to develop fields once considered uneconomical or marginal. This paper discusses economisation strategies such as The feasibility and methodology of developing these fields using a cluster based phased approach for early production and better field management.Tie-in strategy to existing and planned offshore and onshore infrastructure in the vicinity.Early production from existing nonexpendable wells either through commingled or sequential production depending upon reservoir characteristics and operational feasibility have been taken into consideration.Drilling of appraisal /development well has been considered only where economic conditions are favourable.The feasibility of developing these fields using minimum facility platforms including leased or new built re-locatable self-installing platforms has been worked out. The design premise of considering this type of platforms is to minimize fixed platform structures, re-use of these platforms for future marginal field discoveries and a more efficient capital expenditure profile.