Publications

Handil field has produced oil and gas for over 40 years. Until 2011 the area had never been fully covered by a 3D survey. A previous attempt in 1999 (Kerbau3D) was stopped because of societal issues. A 3D seismic survey (91.22 sq.km) was acquired in Q3-Q4 2011 to better delineate channeling shallow reservoirs, improve structural imaging of the field, understand oil in place repartition and help to define the drilling strategy. To properly image the reservoir interval ranging from 600m to 2500m, a high density data set was needed over a risky and restricted area. A high tech approach to acquisition and flawless application of HSE standards was essential. Only PT Elnusa - in joint venture with CGGV - accepted to bid for this hazardous project. Issues related to procurement and Forestry Permit consent led to dramatic delays in commencement date (initial 1st Shot planned Q3 2010 – realized Q3 2011). The Handil 3D seismic survey, located in a transition environment, presented many operational challenges, wild life, strong tidal current, protected forest, fish/prawn farms, hydrocarbon field infrastructures and highly populated areas. Other activities included fishing, dredging, coal barge and large ship traffic in main channels added to the challenges. In addition, producing field activities were quite significant with over 1200 well interventions and 3 new wells drilled during the survey. Despite the challenges faced in the Handil 3D seismic survey, the program was executed with no recordable societal issues and no severe injuries. Lessons learnt during previous TZ acquisitions were applied to the benefit of Handil 3D and many innovative techniques were successfully tested with the * Total E&P Indonesie ** Prima Langkah Utama Contractor. Despite the difficult environmental, societal and industrial challenges, Handil 3D was a great success in terms of Management, Coordination, Data Quality and HSE performances.