Fishbones has commenced an industry technology development project with Aker BP – bolstered by a $ 119,000 grant from The Research Council of Norway.

The project will focus on the development of extended reach needles; small diameter laterals that penetrate the reservoir to increase hydrocarbon recovery. The aim is to extend the reach of existing Fishbones needles by 50 per cent, increasing the current span of 12 – 18 m.

Fishbones is enhancing its lateral stimulation technology to boost well productivity and increase recoverable reserves by extending needle reach to cater to diverse operational needs.

Per Øyvind Seljebotn, SVP Exploration and Reservoir Development at Aker BP, said: "The new extended reach-lateral components can further broaden the application range of this technology."