The Volve Field is situated in the North Sea, at coordinates approximately 59° N latitude and 2° E longitude. It lies at a water depth of around 100–200 meters (330–660 feet) below sea level, making it an accessible yet challenging environment for drilling operations. The field is located near other major fields operated by Equinor, such as Statfjord and Gullfaks, which adds to its operational importance within the region.
The Volve Field consists of multiple reservoirs at varying depths, producing both oil and gas. The reservoirs are primarily developed using horizontal drilling techniques, along with artificial lift systems, to enhance the recovery rates. The field lies within a complex geological structure, including fractured sandstone and carbonate rocks, making well placement and trajectory management crucial for maintaining production and minimizing risks.
At the time of its operation, the Volve Field produced crude oil and natural gas, contributing significantly to the Norwegian oil and gas market. Equinor ultimately decided to cease operations in 2016 due to various factors, including economic considerations and the field's aging infrastructure.
Although the Volve Field is no longer operational, its historical data continues to offer valuable insights for developing automated collision avoidance systems. The field's well trajectories, geological data, and drilling parameters serve as an excellent dataset for testing and refining real-time risk assessment tools. These tools can be applied to similar fields still in operation, improving safety and efficiency for future drilling operations.