The Wingate Field, Blocks 44/23b, 44/24b and 44/19f, UK North Sea

Abstract

AbstractThe Wingate gas field was discovered in August 2008 by Wintershall's exploration well 44/24b-7, which targeted a Base Permian closure with subcropping reservoirs of the Late Carboniferous Lower Ketch Formation. Pre-drill, significant upside was identified as a result of ConocoPhillips’ nearby 44/23b-13 well (2006), where the Westoe Coal Formation provides a seat seal to the Lower Ketch Formation. Because of the significant difference in free water level between the two wells, the volumetric uncertainty of undrilled compartments with reservoirs in the Lower Ketch, as well as the Caister Coal Formation, remained relatively high. To manage development risk and uncertainty without further appraisal expenditure, and to allow for early gas production, a phased field development was planned: that is, to appraise through development and production. Gas production, through a six-slot platform and export to the Dutch D15-A platform, commenced in October 2011, only 3 years after discovery. Initial development comprised the tieback of the exploration well and drilling of the second compartment with well 44/24b-A2Y. Subsequently, three more compartments were drilled as soon as production dropped off plateau. During the appraisal/development and 7 years of production, knowledge of the reservoirs increased significantly, improving the understanding of the challenging Westphalian gas play.