STUDY OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS FEATURES OF THE DARWIN BANK OIL FIELD

Abstract

This paper analyzes the current development state of the Darwin Bank oil field located in the Azerbai-jani sector of the Caspian Sea. The aim of the study is to assess field performance, identify the main factors affecting production rates, and determine possible directions for improving production effi-ciency under mature-field conditions. Due to the limited availability of detailed field data, the research is based on typical parameters of analogous oil fields and simplified engineering assumptions. The study evaluates the influence of bottom-hole pressure and water cut on production behavior. The re-sults show that well productivity is strongly affected by the relationship between reservoir pressure and bottom-hole pressure. A decrease in pressure drawdown leads to reduced fluid inflow and lower pro-duction rates. At the same time, multiphase flow conditions create nonlinear production behavior, making performance prediction more complex. Special attention is given to water cut, which significantly reduces net oil production and worsens the quality of produced fluids. The comparison between theoretical production potential and actual per-formance indicates reservoir pressure depletion, increased water production, and declining well productivity. Overall, the Darwin Bank field is characterized as a mature field at a late stage of devel-opment. The results suggest that production efficiency may be improved through pressure mainte-nance, water control, and optimization of well operating conditions.