Aker BP, Fishbones to develop extended-reach reservoir stimulation technology to increase well productivity

(WO) – Fishbones, a provider of alternative reservoir stimulation technology, has begun an industry technology development project with major Norwegian operator Aker BP – bolstered by a NOK 1.25 million grant from The Research Council of Norway. 

The project will focus on the development of extended reach needles – small diameter laterals that penetrate the reservoir to increase hydrocarbon recovery. The aim is to extend the reach of existing Fishbones needles by 50%, increasing the current span of 12 meters to 18 meters. 

Fishbones’ lateral stimulation technology has already recorded multifold increases in well productivity, and the company is seeking even greater improvements by extending needle reach to offer tailored solutions for diverse operational needs, with a view to increasing reservoirs’ recoverable reserves.

Per Øyvind Seljebotn, SVP Exploration and Reservoir Development at Aker BP, said, “Fishbones is one of the well technologies that Aker BP strategically invests in to enhance the value in the IOR (Improved Oil Recovery) portfolio.

“The new extended reach-lateral components can further broaden the application range of this technology.”

The development project has been backed by The Research Council of Norway in the shape of a NOK 1.25 million grant. The funds were awarded as part of an initiative focused on projects actively contributing to petroleum research, specifically with regards to reducing emissions and increasing efficiency in the oil & gas sector.