Exploration Opportunities in Albania – A Review of Recent Exploration Activities

The article is a review of the exploration opportunities in Albania, by taking into consideration the recent hydrocarbon exploration activities performed by several foreign operators in off-onshore during early 1990’s and early 2000. The analyses of the results have been reviewed into a regional geotectonic framework throughout External Albanides which can be sub-divided into three regions: South region: Mesozoic basinal and platform carbonates are key reservoirs in the area. The majority of traps are deep sub-thrusts but not excluding buried hills in few ‘tectonic windows’. The play is still in its infancy stage although few sub-thrusts proved oil column (Kanina 1) and tested non-commercial oil and gas (Delvina 12, Shpiragu 1). The predominant reservoir porosity is fracturing but also primary porosity is becoming important while approaching the Apulian slope environment. Seismic 2D data are the main drivers of subsurface mapping although in some areas they suffer low S/N ratio; therefore a combination of potential field methods and Landsat data are required. North region:It is consider still frontier, with Mesozoic platform carbonates as key reservoirs. The thin-skinned reservoirs, despite abundant of oil shows, failed to prove hydrocarbon potential mainly due to lack of mature source rocks (SR).Re-evaluation of data shows that inverted Mesozoic platform carbonates sub-thrusts and buried hills are key plays. They are deep seated and resemble the Southern Apennines discoveries in Italy. These reservoirs have overall good primary and fractures porosities. Central region: Tertiary sandstone siliciclastics are key reservoirs in the Durresiforedeep. They are proven as oil and gas plays in a wide range of traps (structural, stratigraphic, combined) and depositional environments (delta tops, slope channels, proximal fans). The onshore exploration has been ceased long time ago because of continuous failure to find more gas through 2D seismic data. No 3D seismic have been acquired so far in onshore Albania, although it is well known that 3D seismic methodology is the only mean to explore for such plays. Two 3D seismiccampaignshave been recorded in offshore Durresiforedeep, but no drilling have been achieved yet based on these data.