Integrated multidisciplinary assessment and mitigation of West Nile Delta geohazards

BP has been developing an integrated and systematic approach for the early assessment of deepwater geohazards to support planning and design of several major gas field development in the West Nile Delta (WND). The approach has involved the assembly of a team of experienced geoscientists from the disciplines of geology, geophysics, geomorphology and geotechnics. The paper will demonstrate the value of early engagement of multidisciplinary team approach for the evaluation of 3D exploration-quality seismic data in frontier deepwater areas where the issue of geohazards could be a potential major constraint to the siting of tophole locations and facilities. Early screening of the geohazard challenges to development can be used to guide the appropriate level of investment, resources and data acquisition programme to support subsequent stages of the project.