Treasures in the basement?

Untested geological formations known as ‘fractured basements’ could be hiding a vast store of hydrocarbons, but explorers need to overcome logistical challenges and industry scepticism

A West of Shetlands play being pursued by Hurricane Energy is entering a production phase that could prove crucial not just for the UK-based hydrocarbons firm, and the Scottish region, but also for industry perceptions of a reservoir type that was for decades derided as unfeasible. First oil from the fractured basement in Hurricane's Lancaster field, located along the prominent Rona Ridge basement that is home to most of its portfolio, can now proceed this year after the Aoka Mizu floating, production, storage and offloading vessel successfully connected to the early production system on 19 March. If successful, output is expected to reach around 17,000bl/d once the initial start-up phase ha