Abstract

This paper presents the successful approach adopted during the development drilling of seven wells and four sidetracks in the Tembungo Western field, offshore Malaysia. It highlights the technical and management considerations made prior to and during the drilling of each well. Geological uncertainities, multi-reservoir completion matrix, slots utilisation and equipment procurement were integral features for both the Well Notice of Operations and Well Completion Plan documents.

This approach has illustrated that field development drilling could be effectively performed despite minimal appraisal data, provided uncertainities are identified upfront. Provision for additional slots is encouraged, given the minimal incremental costs, to cater for the possibility of realising the possible reserves. A fulltime project team must be in-place to perform technical analysis, update maps and reserves, make recommendations and support operations. The successful development drilling campaign on the Tembungo Western field resulted in much better than expected production rates, reserves and consequently a higher rate of return.