The Caister–Murdoch System (CMS) III Carboniferous cluster development, UK Southern North Sea

Abstract

The Caister–Murdoch System (CMS) III development comprises five separate Late Carboniferous Westphalian gas accumulations that surround the CMS transport hub in Quadrant 44 of the UK Southern North Sea: Hawksley, Murdoch K, McAdam, Watt and Boulton H. All are relatively small, single-well discoveries and most have been lying undeveloped for several years.The following factors have contributed to their development: new techniques for seismic mapping and visualization have allowed a more complete understanding of the field geometries and trapping styles and greatly facilitated well design and reduced planning costs; a better understanding of Carboniferous reservoirs, including a more detailed sub-division of the Westphalian B and C/D that has led to more optimal targeting of the development wells; a unitized agreement between the parties who have equity in the satellites and transportation systems negotiated prior to project sanction; and the consecutive development of five fields reducing the overall cost and risk of the project.