Well engineering and project management specialist Fraser Well Management (FWM) has been awarded a contract for well operator services by North Sea Natural Resources Ltd (NSNRL) to deliver the Devil’s Hole Horst (DHH) appraisal well in the Central North Sea.

NSNRL, an exploration and production company with a North Sea regional focus, was awarded UK licence P2321 in the 29th round. The licence consists of seven contiguous blocks covering the DHH prospect, approximately 100 miles east of Aberdeen.

Recent reinterpretation of two test wells drilled on the DHH prospect 50 years ago indicated evidence of hydrocarbons within the Permian Zechstein formation. Further analysis performed by NSNRL show strong indications that substantial volumes of oil may be found in the Jurassic Fulmar Sands, which was overlooked in the original test wells. NSNRL believes DHH’s net mean prospective resources could amount to 2bn barrels of oil, of which 1.8bn has been verified by oil and gas consultant Gaffney, Cline & Associates. NSNRL plans to drill appraisal well 27/4-A and execute a 3D seismic programme as early as the end of 2022. NSNRL are currently in the process of securing investor funding for the seismic and appraisal drilling programmes.

FWM, which has offices in both Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth, is one of the most experienced well management companies on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The company has been providing well operator services to licence holders on the UKCS since 2017 in all phases of well activity from construction, production, and intervention through to late life and decommissioning. In addition to the currently contracted work, the DHH contract provides additional work to FWM’s projects group, driving growth for the firm and creating new jobs at the company’s Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth offices.

Niels Arveschoug, NSNRL’s CEO said: 
“Based on their proven track record of delivering exploration and appraisal wells as well operator on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), we know FWM are ideally equipped to drill the DHH appraisal well for us within our desired time frame.”

“They have an excellent track record, with demonstrable experience, competence, organisation and systems. This coupled with their ongoing familiarity with the regulations, and the specific requirements, to safely deliver wells on a turnkey basis. From the outset they showed a thorough understanding of our project requirements, looked for mutual alignment of project drivers and demonstrated fast and flexible project implementation.”

FWM Managing Director, Nick Ford said: 
“NSNRL’s contract award reflects the increased confidence in the North Sea after two years of understandably low investment. We are pleased to see that our well operator model provides organisations such as NSNRL the ability to develop their prospects in a safe, aligned and cost-effective manner. We are looking forward to working with NSNRL on this exciting project.”

The Devil’s Hole Horst Prospect

North Sea Natural Resources was awarded UK License P2321 in the 29th Round. The license consists of 7 contiguous blocks covering the Devil’s Hole Horst prospect, approximately 100 miles east of Aberdeen.

The Horst was tested by 2 wells drilled over 40 years ago. Re-interpretation of the well results indicates both have evidence of hydrocarbons within Permian Zechstein reservoirs. Estimated STOOIP for this prospect is 1 to 5 billion barrels of oil.

KeyFacts Energy: NSNR UK country profile   l   KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Fraser Well Management