This presentation summarises a workflow that was used in the appraisal of a heavy oil field discovered in the Pechora Sea during the 1990's. Reservoir flow properties were thought to be at least partly dependant on the presence of a connected fracture system. Therefore it was necessary to characterise the fracture system and model it's likely impact on deliverability. The work was carried out under a tight project deadline and using limited sub-surface data. Potential drilling strategies to optimise production were also explored.