The Camelot Fields, Blocks 53/1a, 53/2, UK North Sea

Abstract

Abstract The group of gas accumulations known as the Camelot Fields straddle Blocks 53/1a and 53/2 of the UK Sector of the Southern North Sea on the southern margin of the Sole Pit Trough. The Camelot North Field was discovered in 1967 and development commenced from the Camelot A platform in 1989 (wells Al to A5). The Camelot Northeast Field came on-stream from the B platform (53/2-7 well) in 1992. The Cador accumulation, in the north of Block 53/1a, was subsequently developed through the A6 horizontal well in 1993. The current estimate of gas initially in place (GIIP) for the field is 280 billion cubic feet. Ultimate recovery factors are expected to be as much as 90% and since more than 80% of the GIIP has already been recovered, the Camelot Fields have proven to be prolific producers. This paper focuses on field history after 1988 and, in particular, on the recent exploratory drilling on the southern field margin beneath the South Leman Graben. In this area depth conversion is a major challenge with large velocity contrasts, low relief structures and thin hydrocarbon columns. Recent well results, following mapping of the new 3D seismic data set, indicate that fault reactivation occurred in late Cretaceous to early Tertiary times. Fault movements associated with this event resulted in trap readjustments and/or gas leakage and have exerted an important additional control on hydrocarbon spill points.