Unleashing Potential Stratigraphic Play via High Resolution Strata-Slicing Approach in North Malay Basin, Offshore Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Summary Identifying new opportunities in the Malay Basin is challenging as heavy exploration activity has taken place with more than 700 wells drilled since 1969. Nonetheless, Yet-to-Find (YTF) estimation in 2021 indicates around 3 Bboe of remaining potential are awaiting to be explored. This paper describes the utilisation of specialised seismic interpretation technology in combination with high resolution strata-slicing, as an alternative approach in identifying exploration potential within North Malay Basin. The geological nature of the NMB reservoirs comprising lower coastal plain channelised system, provides an ideal geological setting to test this application. More than 400 horizon strata slices were generated from the top of basement to the seabed using merged 3D seismic data obtained from Relative Geological Time (RGT) model using PaleoScan™ software. The strata slices are then used for amplitude attributes extraction and spectral decomposition analysis, in combination to interpret the geomorphological features and define it’s associated geobodies where approximately 250 prospects were identified. One of the largest prospects yield a gas-initially-in-place (GIIP) of up to 2 Tscf. These findings are dominantly represented by fluvial channels within Groups F to I, which provided a new insight in a relatively mature basin.