Geosteering in thin sandstones — planning and operating a duo-lateral well in the Mittelplate oilfield, offshore Germany

A novel approach to optimizing oil extraction in the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea demonstrates that multi-lateral well technology can efficiently maximize reservoir exposure while adhering to environmental constraints. The study, conducted at the Mittelplate oilfield—Germany’s largest offshore accumulation—shows that duo-lateral drilling from a single island structure can sustain production without expanding infrastructure, even in thin sandstone reservoirs. Over 30 years of operation, this method has yielded over 232 million barrels of oil while preserving the integrity of the protected national park and World Heritage Site. The research highlights the feasibility of high-precision geosteering to navigate complex geological formations, offering a model for sustainable offshore energy development in ecologically sensitive regions.

Bremer, F. (2017). Geosteering in thin sandstones — planning and operating a duo-lateral well in the Mittelplate oilfield, offshore Germany. First Break, 35(10). https://doi.org/10.3997/1365-2397.35.10.90247