Optimization of Equity Redeterminations Through Fit-for-Purpose Evaluation Procedures

Abstract

Equity redetermination is most commonly encountered where a straddling field is developed as a discrete entity through a process of unitization. It is enacted through evaluation procedures that prescribe the technical methodology for requantifying different license shares, or tract participations, in a field unit as more data become available. The formulation of these procedures usually takes place at unitization, it is based on appraisal data, and, therefore, it is guided by simplified perceptions of reservoir character. For this reason, many such technical procedures have been found to be lacking when they are applied later at the equity redetermination stage. These shortcomings can take the form of ambiguous wording, misleading definitions, technically inappropriate specifications, contradictory prescription, or simply a lack of sufficient detail to render the intended process meaningful. They have impeded the determination of revised tract participations by triggering interlicense disagreements that might otherwise have been avoided.With the objective of reducing this unhelpful impact, experience of redetermination situations is used to illustrate the nature and consequences of poorly constructed procedures for the recomputation of tract participations. The analysis is then flipped to generate a framework of key elements of technical procedures together with indications of how they are best implemented. These matters form the basis for a high-level set of protocols for a more efficient and effective redetermination of equity that would avoid the previously encountered shortcomings. The protocols encompass the proper incorporation of data character, a sound technical basis for redetermination, a balance between under-and over-prescription, an auditable deterministic ethos, and adherence to good international petroleum practice. They constitute recommendations for a better approach to the compilation of fit-for-purpose evaluation procedures within those unitization agreements that make provision for a future redetermination of equity. The recommendations are equally applicable to domestic and international unitizations. The principal benefit lies in an enhanced efficiency of the equityredetermination process, which feeds through to a greater collective asset value.