Seismic Reservoir Monitoring denotes the interpretation of successive 3D seismic volumes acquired over a producing reservoir to provide information on production-induced changes in the reservoir. The concept is not new but hitherto there have been few documented examples of its successful application and even fewer statements of economic value. Several recent case studies have demonstrated the technical viability of time-lapse seismic to image reservoir changes and drive decisions on reservoir development. New technology for reservoir monitoring is emerging from the collective efforts of oil companies, institutes for research and development, and contractors. While a driver for this technology is the perceived need to image hydrocarbons and their movements in the subsurface, the business challenges are as important as the technical challenges. Seismic Reservoir Monitoring may be demonstrated, but further development remains to convert this technical progress into a business reality. This paper explores some of the challenges from a contractor's viewpoint, reviews the business opportunity in the context of recent experience in the industry and offers some throughts on how oil company and contractor may reach a win-win situation.
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