Shell discovers hydrocarbons at Pensacola prospect

Shell UK Ltd discovered gas and oil at License P2252 in the Pensacola prospect, northwest of Breagh gas field in the Zechstein Reef play fairway, Southern North Sea, according to license partner Deltic Energy. 

Well 41/05a-2 reached a total depth of 1,965 m true vertical depth subsea (TVDSS), encountered the top Hauptdolomite reservoir at 1,745 m TVDSS, and confirmed a reservoir thickness of 18.8 m with better-than-expected porosity averaging 16%, Deltic said in a release Feb. 8. Presence of mobile gas and oil in the primary Zechstein Hauptdolomite carbonate target interval was confirmed via wireline logs.

The well penetrated the edge of the Pensacola structure in a down dip location and has proven a substantial hydrocarbon column. Post acidization, the well flowed gas at peak rates of about 4.75 MMscfd, declining to 1.75 MMscfd after 12 hours of test. These results are in-line with Deltic's pre-test expectations based on the reservoir parameters derived from the well, it said.

Being located down dip, the flow rates observed during the well test are not expected to be representative of flow rates of potential future production wells which would likely target the central part of the Pensacola structure and are expected to generate higher rates.

Light oil with a preliminary gravity of 34-36° API was also produced at a rate of about 18 b/d during the well test. The potential of this oil with respect to the Pensacola opportunity is yet to be determined.

Based on data collected during drilling and testing, the Pensacola discovery is now estimated to contain P50 EUR of 302 bcf (P90 to P10 range = 164-519 bcf). Following completion of the well test program, the well will be plugged and the Noble Resilient drilling rig will be demobilized.

Shell is operator of the license with 65% interest. Partners are Deltic (30%) and ONE-Dyas BV (5%).