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Iol and Gas Consultancy

Geophysics

We carry out geophysical assessments of license areas, prospects and fields in both onshore and offshore dispositions. Our geophysicists conduct purely geophysical assignments but more often they provide the first step in an INTEGRATED assessment of an asset; be that a license, prospect or field. Our geophysicists have on average 15 years experience gained mostly through working for oil companies in the major oil and gas provinces of the world:


Reserve/Resource Verification

As part of our Reserves/Resource determination process we carry out seismic interpretation, depth conversion and mapping of structures.

We also review of Third Party interpretation, depth conversion and mapping as a part of Reserve/Resource verification.


Technology

Our primary tool for seismic interpretation and analysis is Seismic Micro Technology's The Kingdom suite:


Seismic Acquisition and Processing

We can support offshore or onshore 2D and 3D seismic survey acquisition and processing through all stages - including planning, site surveying, contract negotiations, parameter testing, acquisition and processing. Both time and depth projects can be undertaken.


Project Experience

The projects below required geophysics input.


Independent Resource Assessment - License Area, Egypt

Carried out re-interpretation of vintage seismic data to provide the Client with an independent assessment of the block. Re-mapped a number of reflectors.  Confirmed the presence and size of an untested prospect at Top Nubia level. Calculated oil in place, recoverable reserves (min, most likely and max) for the discovery in the block. Also evaluated the Chance of Success for the prospect. Completed the work by identifying a preferred drilling location to test the Top Nubia and designed a well prognosis for the location.


Fourth Round Assessment - Iraq

Carried out a prospectivity assessment on the 12 license areas offered by the Government of Iraq - Iraq Central Authorities - in its 4th Licensing Round. The assessment was geoscience and geology based and was designed to establish the prospective resources associated with each block along with the likely characteristics of the hydrocarbons likely to be found.

This assessment was based on Bayphase’s extensive experience conducting studies in country and its commercially available library of Iraq seismic, well and other data; see the Iraq Kingdom Project for details on this. The study also had access to the majority of the commercially available geological data on Iraq.

The study produced a full inventory of prospective resources by license, an assessment of chance of success and a ranking of risked resource designed to guide decision making processes associated with bidding for acreage in the 4th licensing round.   


Resource Assessment - Offshore, Ghana

Developed independent resource assessments for two offshore license areas in Ghana. Reviewed reports, converted paper seismic, well log and test data to digital format, loaded the data into the Kingdom Suite and developed structural interpretations, to assess the blocks’ prospectivity, resources and reserves. Estimated the Chance of Success. The assessment was conducted in accordance the standards set down by the PRMS.


Independent Evaluation of Resources and Reserves - Offshore Block Madagascar

Carried out an independent audit of a resource and reserves assessment carried out by the Client on an offshore block in Madagascar. Reviewed reports, interpretations, seismic, well log and test data to confirm the blocks reserves and the contingent and prospective resources. This part of the assessment was conducted in accordance the standards set down by the Petroleum Resource Management System.

Went on to develop an independent resource certification report in accordance the "Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies - June 2009" published by the LSE/AIM.


Expert Opinion – Lake Tanganyika, Burundi

Developed an independent resource assessment and valuation for a license area located in Burundi’s sector of Lake Tanganyika. Reviewed regional geological reports, geochemical studies, seismic interpretations and other data available in the region. The assessments were conducted in accordance the rules and guidelines set down by the Johanesburg Stock Exchange which from a resource view point are based on standards set down by the Petroleum Resource Management System.


Independent Technical Expert Report - Onshore, Democratic Republic of Congo

 Developed an ITER for a Johannesburg Stock Exchange transaction associated with an onshore exploration block in the Democratic Republic of Congo in accordance with guidelines set down by the Exchange. The report set out the prospective resources for the block and was used by the Client as a part of his submission to gain shareholder approval for a farm-in by a Major Oil Company. The Report can be viewed through clicking this link: JSE Circular

The work also included a re-valuation of the block following the farm in based on discounted cashflow, market and cost methods.


Competent Person Report – Onshore Democratic Republic of Congo

Developed a Competent Person Report for an AIM listing for onshore exploration block in the Democratic Republic of Congo in accordance with the AIM Guidance Note for Mining, Oil and Gas Companies published in June 2009. The report set out the prospective resources for the block and was used by the Client as a part of his submission to list on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in London. The work also included a valuation of the block. The listing generated funds that formed the basis for the Client’s exploration campaign. The Competent Person Report can be viewed by clicking this link: CPR Block 3 DRC.


Independent Evaluation of Resources - Onshore Block Madagascar

Carried out an independent audit of a resource assessment carried out by the Client on an onshore block in Madagascar. Reviewed reports, interpretations, seismic, well log and test data to confirm the blocks reserves and the contingent and prospective resources. This part of the assessment was conducted in accordance the standards set down by the PRMS.

Went on to develop an independent resource certification report in accordance the "Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies - June 2009" published by the LSE/AIM. 


Opportunity Screening – Various Exploration Assets, Worldwide

Carried out an opportunity screening for a number of global exploration assets considered for investment by the company. A quick look assessment of the prospectivity of each asset was conducted. The assets where then ranked by their chance of success and likely resultant reserves should exploration be successful.

The top four assets where then ranked in detail: seismic assessments were conducted using the Kingdom Suite; exploration plans were drawn up; chance of success was assessed; likely resultant reserves were determined; cost of exploration, appraisal, development, operation and abandoning the reserves was assessed and an economic ranking of the assets was developed.

Recommendations for the future exploration program were developed for each asset were developed.  


Reserves Verification – Non-associated Gas Fields

Carried out reserves verification for a number of non-associated gas properties in Poland to be used as collateral for project finance.The verification was carried out in accordance with the rules set by the PRMS Standard. Used Material Balance and Volumetric analysis to verify detailed 1P, 2P and 3P reserves assessment developed by others. Provided opinion on the veracity of the independent reserves report and its suitabilility as the basis for defining loan collateral. 


Resource Evaluation and Field Development Plan - Equity/Debt Financing

Acted as Independent Consultant during the Client’s development of financing solutions to fund future operations. During execution of the work performed a number of services:

Assisted the Client in marketing the project to a number of potential farminees and loan providers.


Independent Reserves Report – Albertine Basin

Developed an Independent Reserves Report for an onshore exploration block in the Democratic Republic of Congo in accordance with the PRMS standard and regulations set down by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The work also included a valuation of the blocks. The Report formed the basis for a successful company restructuring and capital raising process implemented by the Client on the JSE. 


Independent Reserves Determination, Field Development Plan and Valuation - Ultra Deep Water License

Developed an independent reserves assessment for four newly discovered fields in this ultra deep water license area in Nigeria in conformance with the PRMS standard. Carried out full seismic interpretation, prepared a reservoir assessment and production profiles, developed outline field development plans and also conducted a full development and operating cost assessment using our NETCO$TER cost Evaluation Software.

The discoveries are located in ultra deep water depths and required the use of innovative productions solutions in the development scheme.  Based on the commercial terms associated with the acreage and the technical and cost assessment described above developed an independent valuation of the discoveries.Also carried out a full prospectivity assessment of the acreage based on recently acquired 3D seismic data. The work was conducted as part of a farm-out process which is now complete. The Client disposed of a major portion of his 100% holding in the Block.   


Prospectivity Study – Three Sedimentary Basins, Iraq

 Carried out a prospectivity study on Iraq Sedimentary Basins: Zagros Fold Belt, Mesopotamian and Western and Southwestern Deserts. The study was designed to assess potential upsides in existing field through assessing oil potential in non-drilled reservoir bearing horizons and potential field extensions. The study also assess prospective structures in each basin based on scouting information, third party regional interpretations and contour maps developed by Bayphase.

Used Boston square analysis the rank the fields and prospects against a range of parameters. The analysis was used by the Client as part of his decision making process in developing an engagement strategy for Iraq. Carried out a preliminary and detailed reserves certification and valuation for a small oil field in Kazakhstan’s Pre-Caspian basin. Developed a seismic interpretation and used available well log and test data to develop a reserves determination to PRMS standard.The Certification was used as part of an investment funding process designed to establish funds for development of the field and to carryout further exploration of the license area. Also developed an exploration plan for further evaluation of the license area including deep pre-salt carbonate structures.


Exploration Support and Planning - Various License Areas

Formed an integrated geophysics, geology, reservoir engineering and economics team for the Client during the development of a free standing Exploration and Production (E&P) group in the company. Carried out extensive technical consultancy associated with key E&P operations including:
• Assessment of license areas during government bid rounds and the preparation of technical and commercial bids.
• Attendance at data rooms including technical and economic analysis of potential acquisition targets along with preparation of technical and commercial bids and participation in negotiations.
• Detailed assessment of acquired license areas from a geophysical and geological aspect. Analysis of available seismic, well and regional geological data.
• Planning of seismic acquisition campaigns either as infill seismic or Greenfield. Supervision of campaigns and the processing of acquired seismic data. Reprocessing of available seismic data.
• Field assessment to establish reserves in accordance with the PRMS system and conceptual field development plans.
Presented plans for all stages of the work to the company’s management seeking approval through an Approval For Expenditure system. The work was focused primarily both onshore and offshore in a Central European belt stretching from the North Sea through to Black Sea; also covered other areas including North Africa.


Asset Acquisition Support - 4 Onshore Fields

Assisted a Client looking to acquire a share in of a number of assets in western Kazakhstan, in the Pre-Caspian Basin and the Mangyshlak. Carried out full technical and economic evaluations of each asset including: seimic interpretation verification; geological model validation; development of independent PRMS assessment including 1P, 2P and 3P reserves and contingent resources; review of detailed Field Development Plans (in Russian); detailed cost verification of development and operating costs using our NETCO$TER cost Evaluation Software; asset valuation including Net Present Value and Fair Market Value - the latter was based on Bayphase'proprietary data base of Kazakhstan oil field equity transactions. Assisted the Client in making his acquisition decisions and development of his acquisition strategy.


Resources and Reserves Assessment – Offshore License

Developed independent probabilistic resources and reserves assessment for the fields and prospects in this offshore block in Nigeria in accordance with the PRMS standard. Assessed extensions that would be required nearby production facilities to optimally develop the reserves; executed an outline field development planning assessment to achieve this. The reserves audit was used as part of the company’s submission to the US Securities and Exchange Commission during its listing process.  


Reserves Assessment and Field Development Plan - Offshore Oil Field

Developed independent probabilistic reserves assessment for this field in Poland's sector on the Baltic Sea in accordance with PRMS standard. This field is a small clastic structure with relatively homogeneous rock types and properties. Developed a fully integrated geological and reservoir simulation model for the field. The work included full assessment and interpretation of a 3D seismic data set, development of a static geological model and a dynamic reservoir model. Carried our modelling to determine optimum configuration through consideration of gas export with water injection support, gas re-injection with water injection support and water alternating gas injection alternatives for the field. Also carried out conceptual field development planning to determine the associated surface production scheme. Special features considered included correct modelling of miscible gas injection using PVT analysis and extrapolation of a range of PVT tests. Prepared a reserves certification statement in accordance the PRMS standard.  


Resources Assessment and Valuation - Offshore License

Developed an independent probabilistic resources and reserves assessment for this offshore block in Tunisia in accordance with the PRMS standard. Also carried out a valuation of the block for potential equity purchase by the Client. The valuation was based on development and operating cost estimates established independently by our consultants.  


Reserves Assessment and Field Development Plan - Non-associated Gas Fields

Developed a reserves assessment in line with the PRMS standard and  outline field development plans for two onshore non-associated gas fields in Nigeria. The work also included a full capital and operating cost assessment developed using our NETCO$TER cost Evaluation Software.  


Basin Study - Iraq

Carried out an assessment of each of Iraq’s Sedimentary Basins to establish hydrocarbon reserves and resource inventories for all fields and identified prospects in these basins. The study was based on data collected from producing fields, regional seismic assessments, and regional geological studies.

The basins covered by the study included:


Competent Person Report - Albertine Graben Licenses

Developed a Competent Person Report for two onshore exploration blocks in the Democratic Republic of Congo in accordance with the PRMS standard and regulations set down by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSH). The work also included a valuation of the blocks based on cost estimates established using our using our NETCO$TER cost Evaluation Software. 


Resource Assessment and Valuation - Offshore License

Contracted to conduct an assessment of seismic data available for this large offshore block in Ghana. Assessed all available data, selected and supervised the reprocessing of key lines. Generated play concepts through basin studies. Identified prospects and leads through seismic interpretation and developed independent probabilistic resource assessment in accordance with the PRMS standard. Also carried out a valuation of the block for potential equity sale by the Client. 


License Valuation - Albertine Basin

Contracted to conduct an evaluaton of the potential reserves for a license area within the Congo's section of the Albertine Basin. Conducted the evaluation based on a regional geological assessment. Developed a valuation of the property. Went on to assist the client in establishing a Production Sharing Agreement for the license area with the host government.


Resource Assessment and Valuation - Onshore License

Developed an independent resource and reserve assessment for the fields and prospects in this Block in Kazakhstan to PRMS standards. Also prepared valuation of the property for a potential acquisition of equity by the client.The license included a number of small fields along with shallow and deep lying prospects identified through seismic interpretation. The valuation was developed based on independent cost estimates developed using our   netco$ter   cost estimating software.


Independent Reserves Redetermination - Offshore Field

Around 3 years after our first assessment on this field and following the implementation of further exploration activities including shooting of an extensive 3D data set and drilling of deep wells carried out an independent deterministic and probabilistic reserves redetermination  for this offshore Giant Carbonate field in Kazkahstan.Developed a fully integrated geological and reservoir simulation model for the field. The work included full assessment and interpretation of a 3D seismic data set, development of a static geological model and a dynamic reservoir model. Carried our modelling to determine optimum configuration for a gas re-injection scheme. Also carried out conceptual field development planning to determine the associated surface production scheme.

Special features considered included: fracture modelling and prediction to determine potential contribution to reserves; interpretation of well logs from deep well drilling to the field’s basement.Prepared reserves certification statements in accordance the PRMS standard and in accordance with regulations set down by Kazakhstan’s State Reserves Committee. 


Reserves Assessment, Field Development Plan and Valuation - Onshore Acid/Sour Gas Field

Developed independent deterministic and probabilistic reserves assessments for this field in accordance with the PRMS standard. This field is a giant carbonate structure with significant quantities of highly sour gas (33.5% H2S and 9.6% CO2).

Developed integrated geological and reservoir simulation model for the field. The work included full assessment and interpretation of a 3D seismic data set, development of a static geological model and a dynamic reservoir model. Carried out modelling to determine optimum configuration through consideration of acid gas injection, desulphurisation and power generation alternatives. Also carried out conceptual field development planning to determine the associated surface production scheme. Used our NETCO$TER cost Evaluation Software to prepare detailed development and operating costs

Special features considered included: potential disposal of separated sour gas into the host reservoir and through enhanced recovery schemes in associated independent reservoirs; design of equipment to handle highly toxic hydrogen sulphide concentrations; impact of high hydrogen sulphide levels on gas physical properties.

Prepared a reserves certification statements in accordance the PRMS standard.  .


Independent Reserves Assessment and Field Development Plan - Large Offshore Field

Developed independent probabilistic reserves assessment for this field in the Caspian Sea in accordance with the PRMS standard. This field is a very large post-salt clastic structure with multiple and varying production horizons.Developed a fully integrated geological and reservoir simulation model for the field. The work included full assessment and interpretation of a 3D seismic data set, development of a static geological model and a dynamic reservoir model. Carried our modelling to determine optimum configuration through consideration of water injection support and gas re-injection alternatives. Also carried out conceptual field development planning to determine the associated surface production scheme.

Special features considered included correct modelling of multiple production layers and sand qualities.Prepared a reserves certification statement in accordance the PRMS standard. Also prepared a reserves statement in accordance with regulations set down by Kazakhstan’s State Reserves Committee. 


Resources Assessment - Onshore License Area Block

Developed independent probabilistic resources assessment for this onshore block in Nigeria in accordance with the PRMS standard. Also carried out a valuation of the block for potential equity sale by the Client. The valuation was based on an outline field development planning assessment conducted on the likely outcomes of a proposed exploration drilling campaign. 


Resource Assessment - Onshore License

Carried out a seismic interpretation and developed an exploration plan for low lying gas prospects in this licence area in Romania. Also developed independent probabilistic resource assessment in accordance with the PRMS standard.  


Petroleum Expert Witness Report - License Dispute

Developed a Petroleum Expert Witness report and acted as an expert witness during arbitration proceeding with respect to a disputed unitisation claim affecting two adjacent licenses onshore western Siberia. As pert of the work made a retrospective assessment of reserves as the basis for testing the compensation claim of one of the parties to the dispute.


Independent Reserves Assessment and Field Development Plan - Offshore Field

Developed independent deterministic and probabilistic reserves assessments for this field in accordance with the PRMS standard. This field is a super giant carbonate structure that is significantly overpressured.

Developed integrated geological and reservoir simulation model for the field. The work included full assessment and interpretation of a 2D seismic data set, development of a static geological model and a dynamic reservoir model. Carried our modelling to determine optimum configuration for a gas re-injection scheme. Also carried out conceptual field development planning to determine the associated surface production scheme.

Special features considered included: fracture modelling and prediction to determine potential contribution to reserves; technical feasibility of sour gas injection in a significantly overpressured reservoir

Prepared reserves certification statements in accordance the PRMS standard and in accordance with regulations set down by Kazakhstan’s State Reserves Committee. 


Independent Reserves Assessment and Field Development Plan - Offshore Gas Condensate Field

Developed independent deterministic and probabilistic reserves assessments for this large gas condensate discovery in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea; the probabilistic assessment was developed in accordance with the PRMS standard. Also prepared outline field development plan and made an evaluation of appraisal, development and operating expenditures for an economic assessment . 


Basin Study - Kazakhstan

Carried out an assessment of each of Kazakhstan’s Sedimentary Basins to establish hydrocarbon reserves and resource inventories for all fields and identified prospects in these basins. The study was based on data collected from producing fields, regional seismic assessments, and regional geological studies.

The basins covered by the study included: Pre-Caspian, Ust-Urt, Mangyshlak, Turgai, Chu-Sarysu, Syr-Darya, Balkhash, Alakol, Eilliski, Teniz, Zaisan 


Licensing Assessment Cuvette Centrale, Democratic Republic of Congo

Carried out a prospectivity assessment of the Cuvette Central basin for the Government of the Congo. Assisted them in defining the most appropriate licensing areas for this area. Developed the official licensing map through fully defining in geographical terms the perimeter associated with each block.


Reserves Verification and Valuation – Onshore Field

Performed a reserves verification and carried out a valuation for this onshore field in Nigeria. Carried out the verification to the standards set by the PRMS. The valuation was carried out following a field development planning assessment designed to establish the optimal production facility and drilling campaign required to fully develop the property. Development and operating cost estimates were generated using our NETCO$TER cost Evaluation Software.  


Resource Assessment - Two Offshore Licenses

Developed prospects and leads through seismic interpretation, followed by an independent probabilistic resource assessments for two Licence Areas in Liberia in accordance with the PRMS standard.  The work was based on a Regional 2D seismic survey. The product of the work was used as part of a submission seeking finance for an exploration program.


Licensing Assessment Lake Tanganyika, Democratic Republic of Congo

Carried out a prospectivity assessment of the sedimentary basins underlying Lake Tanganyika for the Government of the Congo. Assisted them in defining the most appropriate licensing areas for this region. Developed the official licensing map through fully defining in geographical terms the perimeter associated with each block.


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