Hansa Hydrocarbons hopes to start drilling in 2016 after completing a 3D seismic survey across "4Quads" licenses in blocks G18, H16, M3 and N1, offshore Netherlands.
The survey covered about 965sq km, 40 km to the north of the Wadden Islands in the Dutch North Sea and adjacent to the German/Dutch median line. The survey was conducted by WesternGeco's MV WG Amundsen.
The survey's target is the extension of Lower Rotliegend (Havel) sandstones that have been tested successfully in the adjacent German H&L blocks in which Hansa holds a 20% interest.
The work to date suggests that the 4Quads holds the potential for some of the largest accumulations remaining in the basin.
Hansa expects that following the processing and interpretation of the seismic data it will be possible to demonstrate the likely development of thicker Havel sandstones over parts of a mega closure. This will allow prospective well locations to be determined in the course of 2015 and to start with exploration drilling in 2016.
John Martin, Hansa Hydrocarbon’s CEO, said: “Having invested much effort in understanding the regional geology of the Lower Rotliegend sands in the area, we are confident that the 3D seismic is the right tool to significantly de-risk this play. With conventional prospective resources in excess of 2 trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place, the 4Quads is of strategic importance not just for Hansa but also for the Dutch economy.”
Specific environmental measures
Hansa, as operator, holds a 60% interest in the licences. The remaining 40% is held by EBN, the Dutch state entity.