L16 - Dutch sector of the North Sea

Methodology

In 1996 sediment samples were taken for microbiological, geochemical and isotopic measurements at the North Sea (Dutch blocks K18 / L16). 32 sediment samples were taken along seismic profiles, in order to be able to directly compare the microbiological and seismic data. One sample track (A - A') was extended across the producing “Kotter” field for calibration purposes. The profile B - B' crosses almost the entire investigation area in a NW - SE direction.

Microbiological analyses were carried out without any knowledge of the geological structure or of the location of the “Kotter” field or the wells. The “Kotter” field is located in the Vlieland Series of the Lower Cretaceous. The following comparison of the geological and microbial results was made upon completion of the microbiological investigations.

Results

Figure 1 shows the MPOG^® result for oil along the two profiles A and B.

The profile B - B' crosses almost the entire investigation area in a NW - SE direction. The dry hole L16-13 is located in the close vicinity of this profile. Figure 2 displays the MPOG^® result for oil along profile B-B’ in comparison to geological structure.

Summary

Four individual oil indications were detected along the 13 km (8 miles) long profile (15 measure points). The well L16-13 near point 221 which was planned at this time gave a negative result and thus confirmed the result of previous geo-microbial investigation.