From Shadows to Shine: The Transformation Journey of an Abandoned Oil Field

Abstract

Against the backdrop of Nigeria's evolving upstream landscape, Aradel Plc has consistently demonstrated operational resilience and disciplined value creation by unlocking stranded assets through integrated, sustainability-anchored field redevelopment strategies. In April 2024, Aradel Plc acquired an abandoned oil field and associated assets from Total Energies (TEPNG) and assumed full operatorship by Q1 2025. Aradel initiated a structured redevelopment and resuscitation program aimed at transforming the field and facility that had been left moribund for about 15 years. The first step in the re-entry and re-development program was a comprehensive data mining and re-evaluation of legacy well data, seismic interpretations, production history, and assessment of well integrity of abandoned conduits. Detailed reservoir saturation (RST) logging was executed to establish current fluid contacts, identify bypassed hydrocarbons, and uncover overlooked opportunities and locked-in potentials. Low-cost well entry and recompletion strategies were prioritized alongside optimization of perforation intervals and targeted sand control installations. These subsurface interventions were supported by produced water management strategies, gas-handling and flare monetization initiatives, and alignment of field redevelopment with economic value creation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. A Physical Asset Verification (PAV) was conducted to assess well integrity, surface facilities, and infrastructure readiness. Outcomes from the PAV informed the redevelopment strategy, including the deployment of a Modular Crude Processing Unit (MCPU) to ensure effective three-phase separation, produced water treatment and disposal, and gas handling for artificial lift and commercialization. The transformation plan is being executed in two phases. Phase-1 focuses on restoring production while Phase-2 targets full-field redevelopment, including gas-led expansion, to extend field life, improve recovery efficiency. This case demonstrates that marginal and abandoned fields can be economically rejuvenated through integrated subsurface analysis, disciplined phased execution, and modular facility deployment anchored on sustainability-driven practices—transforming the abandoned Field from shadow to shine.