Rejuvenation of Trinidad’s Onshore Oropuche Field

摘要

Over the last decade mature field management has been of paramount importance for economic sustainability and survival for many oil field operators. In Trinidad and Tobago, mature blocks are occasionally leased or farmed out to private operators by the state when the fields are no longer considered to be feasible investments according to state’s economic benchmarks and or operational capabilities. The Oropuche farmout is one such field situated onshore, south Trinidad in close proximity to the western coastline. In 2007, API Pipeline Construction Company Limited acquired the acreage in 2007 with the production of approximately 60 bopd from 22 wells. This privately owned company was challenged to increase production from existing producers and increase reserves using modern reservoir management practices. Since then the operator had increased production to approximately 300 bopd, planned an eight well infill drilling program and proposed enhanced oil recovery projects. Significant cost has been incurred thus far and more expenditure is expected as projects are phased in. The operator conducted a geotechnical study as required at inception but has continued to study the field and develop new opportunities. This paper describes the local processes and techniques used in field optimization, creation of a functional organizational structure, development of new opportunities and formulating a practical, reservoir development plan. This work details the work plan that is being adopted by the operator. The successful approach used at the Oropuche field and proposed in this document can assist many operators whoexperience various challenges associated with developing mature acreage and encouraging sustainable operations.