research and development within upstream

The illustration shows a reservoir model in which we use a so called EM-Power model. The model makes it possible to better understand the fluid flows in the reservoirs of the Balder, Jotun, and Ringhorne fields.

The organization in Norway draws on ExxonMobil’s technology, research efforts and experience gained worldwide.

Examples we find in the use of 3-D seismic, sequence stratigraphy and reservoir modeling. In Norway, we i.a. participate in several environmental studies. One study, which is within dispersants strategy, is being performed together with Shell and the Climate and Pollution Agency. Another study is a technology program for development of oil recovery equipment in which we participate together with NOFO and a number of other companies and institutes.

Norwegian research institutes are world leading in some areas. Our mother company ExxonMobil i.a. use Marintek in Trondheim to develop new LNG tanker technology. ExxonMobil has for many years participated in OG21 (Oil and Gas in the 21^st Century), which is a major R & D initiative started by Norwegian authorities to develop new technology and new systems in support of continued production on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. In this program ExxonMobil has a leading role within cost efficient drilling. One of the projects that ExxonMobil supports entails the development of a new drilling tool named Badger Explorer. This isa “robot” that doesn’t need to be connected to a rig, having the potential to perform drilling operations far cheaper and more efficient than today’s equipment. A prototype drilled a testhole in eastern Norway in April, 2010. The operation was successful and is said to represent a technological breakthrough for this tool.