Analysis and decision support for geological reservoirs

We deliver analytical tools for subsurface understanding, uncertainty management, and decision support in the petroleum industry.

With more than 40 years of experience from the Norwegian continental shelf, we contribute to value creation, risk reduction, and the efficient use of natural resources. Our solutions are developed in close collaboration with industry partners and are actively applied in operational processes.

The role of oil and gas in the Norwegian economy

The extraction of crude oil and natural gas is a central industry in Norway. In 2024, petroleum products accounted for more than half of Norway’s total exports (Statistics Norway, 2025). Since the late 1960s, petroleum activities have contributed substantially to value creation in the national economy. At the same time , the sector is characterised by market volatility in the market and complex geological conditions, placing strong demands on planning, investment decisions, and efficient resource utilisation.

Decision support for planning and field development

Our solutions provide decision support throughout the entire life cycle of a field, from first assessments to production and late-phase operations. The analyses offer realistic descriptions of reservoir properties and present uncertainty in a structured and transparent manner. This provides a stronger basis for investment and development decisions, supports risk reduction, and contributes to improved resource utilisation.

Analytical tools for understanding the subsurface

At NR, we develop analytical tools that are used in planning, development and operation of petroleum fields.

Among other things, our solutions support:

• assessment of volume, structure and flow in complex reservoirs
• visualisation and quantification of uncertainty in decision processes
• integration of geological and geophysical data into coherent subsurface models. uncertainty in decision-processes

Software in industrial use

We develop and maintain analytical software that is used operationally in the industry, including:

HAVANA

HAVANA is used to analyse structural complexity and reservoir volume. The tool improves understanding of how fault interpretations influence fluid flow and reservoir performance, and supports decisions aimed at improving resource recovery and reducing operational risk.

Learn more about HAVANA

COHIBA

COHIBA supports the assessment of alternative geological interpretations in complex models and provides a stronger basis for planning and field management decisions. We also offer workshops tailored to participants’ needs, enabling the software to be applied effectively in individual projects.

Learn more about COHIBA

Research and development partnerships with industry

A key part of NR’s work in the petroleum sector is long-term research and development in collaboration with industry partners, often organised through consortia. One example is the Geological Inversion to Geology (GIG) consortium, which develops methods for improved interpretation of seismic data and geological models. NR leads the consortium together with some of the largest oil and gas companies on the Norwegian continental shelf.

The collaboration gives participants access to advanced methods and tools that can be used in operational settings, while while industry partners actively contribute to the scientific direction of the work.

Beyond oil and gas

Although our solutions are developed in close partnership with the petroleum industry, the underlying knowledge and methods are also relevant to other domains where subsurface understanding and robust decision support are essential. These include geothermal energy, groundwater modelling, and the management of subsurface natural resources. We also conduct research into how the methods and experience can be applied to CO₂ storage.

Applications and collaboration

Whether you work with field development, uncertainty analysis or interpretation of complex geological data, we can support you with analysis and model development.

Get in touch if you would like to discuss a specific challenge or explore opportunities for collaboration.

Get in touch to learn more about our work in geological reservoir analysis and decision support.