Proving the value of 4D seismic data in the late-life field: Case study of the Norne main field

The Norne Field, operated by Statoil, is a good example of improving oil recovery by using the information on fluid contact movement obtained from 4D seismic data for infill well planning. As the field enters the tail end of production, prolonging production and saving costs have become the focus of field operation and management. To fulfil the special needs of reservoir management at the current stage of the field life, the focus of 4D interpretation should also be adjusted. This imposes higher requirements for data quality and quantitative interpretation of the 4D seismic data. Here we describe the 4D-related work carried out by the Norne asset team and discuss why 4D seismic surveying is still an important tool for field operation and reservoir management in the tail-end production period.