Abstract

The North Sumatra Basin is a proven hydrocarbon basin with fields like the Arun Field 1producing 7tcf, the Jambu Aye Utara Field and North Sumatra Offshore Field. New carbonate build-ups have possibly been identified in the basin. Early syn-rift with sandy intervals and the seismic character traditionally associated with good quality source rocks like the Bampo Formation have been identified in the North Sumatra Basin. Exploration leads consist of 4-way-dip-closures, stratigraphic pinch-outs, fault-bounded structural traps and carbonate build-ups however inverted syn-rift seem to be the best play in the area. The new PGS survey may open up a “new basin” in Andaman Sea which has similar characteristics to North Sumatra Basin. The MC2D survey reveals the presence of thick synrift, which are believed to contain source rocks. Several structural leads and stratigraphic leads have been identified, as well as a potential carbonate play on western flank of Mergui Ridge. As the existing grid is open, the main risk is related to presence of valid structures.

Keywords: South Andaman Sea Basin • Central Ridge • E1 Ridfe • Mergui Basin • NW Sub-Basin • SLD High • Ranong Ridge • JUA Ridge • Malacca Shelf • North Lho Sukon Deep • Lho Sukon Deep • Arun High • Jawa Deep • West Peusangan High • Samalanga Deep

Presented at: 2009 South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX) Conference, Singapore, 2009