Unveiling Exploration Potential of the Cretaceous Burgan Reservoir in Kuwait Bay through Risk Map Approach

Kuwait Bay represents a largely untapped segment of the prolific Kuwait Arch in the state of Kuwait, offering potential for hydrocarbon exploration and development. The Cretaceous clastic reservoirs in the Kuwait Bay area, particularly Burgan, have been acknowledged for their substantial hydrocarbon production capabilities. Effective pay zones within the Burgan sandstone reservoir unit are highly correlated to the occurrence of relatively thin sand and shale interbeds, rather than thick single sand interval. This intraformational reservoir-seal pair delineation was critical for reducing uncertainty and mitigating risk for exploration success.

The present study aims to assess the prospectivity of these reservoirs through a custom-devised risk map approach that integrating geological, petrophysical, geophysical, and reservoir quality data to delineate potential hydrocarbon-bearing interbedded zones of relatively thin sand and shale. The risk map approach offers a structured framework for identifying prospective zones while minimizing risk by assessing factors such as reservoir-seal pairs, trap integrity and reservoir quality. The study results brought out promising zones with significant hydrocarbon potential, while identifying areas with higher geological risk, enabling a more targeted exploration strategy in Kuwait Bay.