Abstract

Deepwater exploration and drilling pose many challenges and uncertainties to both explorationists and drillers. The entire cycle from prospect delineation to drilling management needs special attention, technology and expertise. Seismic data, integrated with well information is capable of deriving comprehensive and unified model consisting of structural framework, stratigraphic understanding, reservoir model, fractures, pore pressure, fracture gradients etc. that can be utilized not only for the exploration but also pre-drill and while drilling decision making. However, the major bottleneck in utilizing the full capability of seismic till now has been the integration of suitable technologies and feasibility in terms of turnaround times so that drilling time predictions could be made. Seismic Guided Drilling (SGD*), the technology of predicting ahead of bit uncertainties by integration of rock physics guided high definition seismic, suites of well logs and high-end checkshot technology like SeismicVISION* was employed in the high-profile Andaman Sea deepwater drilling campaign. One of the crucial uses of such high definition seismic data is its use for well positioning. This includes reducing uncertainties in the drilling target prognoses, drilling target locations and positioning in 3D space. Apart from this, SGD has also capability to help with structural complexity and reservoir level uncertainties. Andaman Sea fore-arc sub-basin