Frogtech and IGI will each study areas of the East Shetland Platform, where there are significant uncertainties around the structural evolution and basin geometries.

 

The pair will variously assess the potential source rock presence and expected maturity.

 

In addition, the planned source rock study could look to re-sample relevant sections from offset wells to improve understanding of the area's source rock potential, including an assessment of any fluid migration using techniques such as fluid inclusion and apatite fission track analysis.

 

Getech and BGS will each perform research for the South West Approaches, where there is an assumed lack of source rock over most of the basin and a lack of offshore basin geometry and structural and stratigraphic correlation

 

For the SW Approaches, a project is already under way at the University of Durham in northeast England which will provide a regional play fairway study of the whole south-west Britain area from the Cornubian Arch to the Pembroke Ridge.

 

"These projects represent the initial phases of more extensive regional mapping projects to drive exploration across the UK continental shelf," OGA's head of exploration and new ventures Nick Richardson said.

 

"The results of these projects from Getech, BGS, Frogtech, and IGI will enhance industry knowledge, awareness, and understanding of both the South West Approaches and East Shetland Platform ahead of the 31st Frontier Licensing Round."

 

The work is being undertaken as part of the 21st Century Exploration Road Map initiative (21CXRM), which is being advised by Azinor Catalyst, BayernGas, BP, Chevron, Dong Energy, Engie, Hurricane Energy, Maersk Oil, Shell, and Siccar Point Energy.

 

Projects completed by the group include a post-well analysis of exploration and appraisal wells drilled during 2003-2013 in the Moray Firth and central North Sea, and a geo-scientific regional petroleum system analysis of the Palaeozoic, due to be released publically next quarter.

 

OGA expects the latest projects to be completed by the end of March.