Petroleum geology of the Cygnus gas field, UK North Sea: from discovery to development

Abstract

AbstractThe Cygnus Field, operated by ENGIE E&P UK Limited, is located in UK Southern North Sea blocks 44/11 and 44/12. The reservoir comprises sandstones of the Permian Leman Sandstone Formation and Carboniferous Ketch Formation.Cygnus was first drilled in 1988 by well 44/12-1, which encountered gas shows in sandstones in the Leman Sandstone Formation whilst targeting a Carboniferous objective. The initial evaluation indicated the presence of poor-quality reservoir with conventional log analysis indicating high water saturations. Further appraisal activity ceased until 2002 when a group led by ENGIE E&P UK Limited were awarded the licence in the 20th round having recognized the missed pay potential. Through appraisal drilling, a second reservoir (the Carboniferous Ketch Formation) was discovered and the Leman Sandstone Formation was proven to be capable of achieving stabilized flow rates greater than 30 MMscf/d.The Cygnus discovery now proves that a northern-sourced Leman Sandstone Formation play fairway exists, establishing an extension of the Rotliegend play to the northern feather edge of the Southern Permian Basin. The Cygnus Field's estimated ultimate recoverable volume is forecast to be 760 Bscf, making it the largest field discovered in the UK Southern North Sea in the last 30 years.