Significant Hydrocarbon Accumulation in Deep Overpressured Play of West Baram Delta: A Breakthrough

Two recent HPHT wells have successfully tested the deep seating overpressured playtype in West Baram Delta with significant discoveries of gas and condensate at depths of more than 4500m below mudline. The well recorded the highest reservoir pressure to date in Malaysia, approximately 14,000 psi approaching the operational limit of the Blow Out Preventer (BOP) used. Total of 200m nett gas sand were penetrated with all gas bearing reservoirs are filled with hydrocarbon to the structural spill (with average of 650m of vertical gas column), proudly standing as the longest clastic section ever drilled in the West Baram Delta province. The structure which was filled to spill is primarily, but not exclusively attributed to an excellent lateral seal of a growth fault system. This is further enhanced with the deposition of foreset shales on the hanging wall of the fault.Overpressure condition has also revealed the upside potential of the reservoir characteristics, i.e. significant improvement in the porosity preservation below overpressure zones, resulted to better producibility of the gas bearing reservoir. Understanding the play type behavior remains the critical challenge particularly in evaluating the structuration, trap integrity, and the seal capacity.