Maximizing Recovery in Deep-Water Gulf of Mexico Assets. Surveillance in Complex Subsalt Reservoirs
Northside Houston
Speaker:
Seminar Date: Jul 30 2026
Registration Opens: Jul 14 2026 - Jul 31 2026
Time: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM (US CDT)
Admission/Registration Link: None
Donation Link: None
Meeting/Webinar Link: None
Contact: Carolina Martinez (VP Northside, SPWLA Houston Chapter)
Corresponding: vpnorthside@spwla-houston.org
Fees: FREENOTES:
Speaker : Gerardo Cedillo (BP)
Date : Thursday, Jul 30th, 2026
Time : 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (US CDT)
Venue : Baker Hughes, 2001 Rankin Rd, Houston, TX 77073
Admission : This event is proudly sponsored by Baker Hughes. Lunch is provided.
To reserve your seat, please ensure you register for this event using the link below
Please register by July 27th, 2026 @ 11am to reserve lunch using the provided link below.
Parking Info : Guest parking is available free of charge. Upon arrival, please proceed to the front desk to check in.
Contact : Carolina Martinez
Corresponding ：vpnorthside@spwla-houston.org
ABSTRACT:
Deepwater reservoir surveillance in the Gulf of Mexico presents significant challenges due to complex subsalt geology, harsh operating environments, limited well access, and high-rate production conditions. This paper describes an integrated surveillance strategy developed for BP’s Thunder Horse field that combines petrophysical analysis, cased-hole saturation monitoring, production logging, pressure transient analysis, and 4D seismic data to improve understanding of reservoir performance and maximize recovery. The workflow focuses on reducing uncertainty in reservoir storage, fluid movement, and well deliverability while supporting critical intervention decisions. Through several field case studies, the authors demonstrate how the integration of multiple surveillance technologies identified previously unrecognized reservoir heterogeneity, crossflow effects, fault-controlled water production, and completion-related productivity limitations. The paper also highlights the successful application of novel sand detection and flow diagnostic technologies, which improved well surveillance and intervention planning. Results show that a multidisciplinary, integrated approach can reduce operational risk, improve reservoir models, optimize recompletions, and unlock additional reserves in mature deepwater assets.
BIOGRAPHY:
Gerardo Cedillo (BP) is a senior petrophysicist and subsurface professional with BP, recognized for his expertise in formation evaluation, well surveillance, production logging, pulsed neutron logging, reservoir characterization, and deepwater Gulf of Mexico developments. He has authored and co-authored numerous technical papers with the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), covering topics such as production profiling, gas saturation monitoring, advanced logging-while-drilling imaging, reservoir surveillance, and deepwater reservoir management. Throughout his career, he has contributed to projects across some of the world's most significant hydrocarbon provinces, including Prudhoe Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Sea. These experiences have enabled him to develop advanced expertise in petrophysics, reservoir monitoring, production optimization, and the application of innovative technologies to improve reservoir understanding and field performance.