Galoc Field Development

Jeff Davison and Jimmy Ng

Galoc Production Company

Abstract

This paper addresses the development of the Galoc Field from initial discovery through to commencement of well construction activities. It looks at the commercial partnership arrangement as well as both subsurface and surface aspects of the development which progresses towards 1st oil due 1st quarter 2008.

Galoc is unique in several aspects; it is the 1st sandstone reservoir to be developed in the Philippines, it was appraised by one of the 1st deepwater wells with 1,200m of near horizontal section and it is the 1st oil development in the Philippines for over 15 years.

The field was discovered in the 1981 and appraisal was undertaken during the late 80s, including an additional well, 2 sidetracks and an extended well test. Since that time, additional 3D seismic has lead to a better understanding of the turbidite sandstone reservoir. Combine this with advances in technology of both well construction and production facilities plus strengthened oil price has resulted in commercial development being viable.

Key features of the development are 2 subsea development wells with 1,500m of reservoir contacts in each of the 2 principal channels within the reservoir. These wells will be completed in 290m of water and connected to the FPSO via mid water riser system. The FPSO is located adjacent to the wellhead using an innovative mooring and riser system based on adaptation of existing technology.

The Plan of Development (POD) was approved by the DOE in March 2006 with the first of the major contracts placed in July 2006. The well construction commenced early October with completion due in late December 2007, installation of subsea equipment in January and hookup of the FPSO to follow in February 2008.