Techbits (February 2005)

The importance of interpreting and applying right decisions in data management and technology development in Central and Eastern European fields was the focus of the Applied Technology Workshop (ATW) “Field Management of Mature Reservoirs” held in Vienna, Austria. Through presentations, case studies, and syndicate sessions, participants conferred on the following topics: - Accessing data and discovering the value of mature reservoirs. - Recognizing existing technologies that can be applied success-fully in mature reservoirs. - Tools to unlock value in mature assets. - How future technologies will affect mature assets. - From today’s reality to tomorrow’s dream as described by E&P and service company senior management. Good reservoir review, field management, and using the right technologies were considered in the first technical session. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of standards, change management, documentation of a good track record in conjunction with business processes, and collaboration with people. The fact that a significant amount of data can no longer be read or accessed as a result of changes in asset management was also addressed. The second session highlighted case histories that illustrated how existing technologies provided correct solutions in alignment with best practices in Central Europe’s Mesozoic formations and in the Carpathian range. The session was devoted to proving that right understanding of mature-reservoir problems must exist in advance to select proper technologies for application. When the right degree of understanding exists, a substantial number of existing methods and equipment is available for use in mature reservoirs. The impact of differing stakeholder perspectives and requirements on the management of mature E&P assets was presented in the third technical session. Steve Mills from the Royal Bank of Scotland presented the investor’s point of view toward the materializing process and the importance of selecting the proper investment plan. Beate Raabe of the Intl. Assn. of Oil and Gas Producers presented the European Union administrative viewpoint regarding development of mature assets and taking into account future regulatory requirements. Representatives from Wintershall A.G. and Industrija Nafte d.d. presented company strategies for development of mature fields as part of an asset portfolio and showed how these fields still can offer attractive options for E&P companies.