Akmal Sultan

Expert in Seismic Interpretation & Reservoir Characterization

Leading Geophysicist with 30+ Years of International Experience

Delivering innovative geophysical solutions in oil & gas exploration, seismic interpretation, fracture analysis, and reservoir characterization to optimize field development and hydrocarbon recovery.

Geophysical Exploration & Reservoir Characterization

About Akmal Awais Sultan - Geophysics & Seismic Expert

A seasoned geophysicist with over 30 years of international experience, I specialize in seismic interpretation, reservoir characterization, fracture analysis, and geophysical integration to drive exploration success and well planning in optimize field development.

I have worked extensively on carbonate and siliciclastic reservoirs across diverse structural settings, ensuring high-precision subsurface imaging and optimal well placement through advanced seismic inversion, anisotropy analysis, and multi-attribute interpretation.

As a key contributor in international energy projects, I have successfully led exploration, development, and field optimization initiatives, integrating geophysics, geology, petrophysics, and reservoir engineering to enhance hydrocarbon recovery and drilling efficiency.

450+ well placements optimized through advanced seismic and structural analysis using multi-discipline data integration.
Authored & co-authored 45+ technical papers in international geophysical journals & conferences
Multiples 3D surveys and 40,000 2D line kilometre of seismic data interpreted under various exploration and development projects.
Lead advanced geophysical workflows in reservoir characterization through integrated approach

Expertise

Seismic Interpretation, Integration & Reservoir Characterization

Expertise in Prospect Generation & Evaluation

AVO & Seismic Attributes

Fracture Characterization & Structural Framework Analysis

Micro to Macro level multi-discipline technical data integration

Well Planning - Horizontal & Long Reach MRC (maximum reservoir contact)

VSP Data Planning, Acquisition & Interpretation

Optimize Field Development Planning Co-ordination and support

G&G Support in reservoir management, static and dynamic modelling

Multidiscipline teams’ collaboration, Team Player and Leadership role

Comprehensive Geophysical & Exploration Expertise

Geophysical Expertise in Oil & Gas Exploration

Carried-out various high-resolution seismic interpretation, reservoir characterization, fracture analysis, and well placement optimization to enhance exploration success, drilling efficiency, and hydrocarbon production.

Seismic Data Interpretation

2D/3D seismic interpretation for subsurface imaging and structural framework mapping/modelling
Time-depth conversion & velocity modelling for enhanced seismic accuracy
Prospect evaluation & risk assessment for exploration & development wells.

Reservoir Characterization

Seismic inversion, AVO analysis, and attribute interpretation for hydrocarbon estimation
Integration of seismic, petrophysical, and geomechanically data for reservoir modelling.

Fracture Characterization

Multi-azimuth seismic attribute analysis for identifying fracture networks
Integration of seismic, image logs, 3D VSP, drilling, dynamic/static losses data, tracer data, core and pressure transient analysis – PLT (micro to macro level data integration approach).

Well Placement Optimization

Trajectory planning for Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) wells
Horizontal well optimization using seismic attributes, multi-dimension data and geophysical modelling data integration.

Geophysical Data Integration

Combining seismic, well log, and production data for accurate reservoir evaluation
Multi-disciplinary interpretation for field development planning
Project Management: Led Reservoir Characterization studies and 4D Feasibility Study to optimize ZAKUM filed development planning.

Field Development Planning

Designing production optimization strategies based on seismic, geological, and dynamic data
Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams for reservoir management & well planning

Expertise in Geophysical Solutions

Delivering Proven Results in Oil & Gas Exploration

With three decades of international experience, provided geophysical solutions that enhance seismic workflows, well placement, and reservoir characterization for global energy projects.

Years of Experience

Notable Contributions to Energy Projects

Key Projects & Geophysical Achievements

Fracture Characterization in Carbonate Reservoirs

Led micro to macro level seismic-based fracture analysis studies in ADNOC research and Innovation Center, PETROLEUM INSTITUTE, by integrating multi-azimuth attributes, FMI/image logs, core data, dynamic/static losses, and 3D VSP.
Characterized fracture networks in carbonate reservoirs; identified alignment of fractures with regional stress and curvature anomalies. Results highlight fluid flow through fracture corridors, sub seismic faults, and porous grain stones, indicating inter- and intra-reservoir connectivity.

ZAKUM Field - Well Planning and Optimization

Successfully interpreted seismic, multi-disciplined data and planned, optimized 450+ horizontal wells – from 2000 to 30,000 ft lateral sections, enhancing reservoir management and long-term production targets. Transition from five-spot to line-drive producer-injector configuration contributed to achieving the 1 million BOPD production target.

ZAKUM Field – Retrospective Well Study

Conducted a retrospective analysis of 120+ wells to enhance seismic interpretation, improve well placement accuracy, and optimize MRC wells—directly guiding subsequent drilling campaigns with high success rates.

ZAKUM Field - 4D Feasibility Study

Led a multi-stakeholder 4D seismic feasibility study aimed at optimizing infill drilling, improving reservoir characterization, and guiding well trajectory decisions in the ZAKUM carbonate reservoirs.
Assess 1D and 3D detectability and repeatability thresholds for effective seismic monitoring.
Integrated study findings into field development planning by identifying areas for targeted infill drilling and supporting long-term production optimization strategies.

Exploration License Block Reviews and Prospect Generation

Evaluated 40,000 km of 2D and multiple vintages of 3D seismic data for prospect generation, risk assessment, and resource evaluation for OCCIDENTAL, PHILIPS 66, and OPI Pakistan. Technical insights led to the acquisition and hydrocarbon discoveries in several exploration blocks, including Mirpurkhas, Khipro, and Sinjhoro.

Badin Block Discoveries

Led seismic interpretation for high-impact oil and gas discoveries with OCCIDENTAL Pakistan, optimizing exploration strategies in extensional fault settings. Played a pivotal role in prospect evaluation and field development planning.

Recognitions & Professional Achievements

Credentials

45+ Research Papers presented and published in conferences & journals

Expert in seismic attributes, geophysical mapping, well planning and reservoir characterization

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Success Stories

Industry Testimonials on Geophysical Excellence

Discover how geophysical solutions have helped leading energy companies optimize exploration and production efficiency.

H Ewart Edwards

Senior Specialist – Geoscience, Upper Zakum Field Development, ZADCO ADNOC OFFSHORE, UAE

Akmal Awais Sultan served ZADCO (ADNOC OFFSHORE) for 14 years with exceptional professionalism, excelling as a seismic interpreter, project manager, and advisor. He led major geophysical initiatives, including 3D/4D seismic interpretation, fracture characterization, and Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) well planning. His technical expertise, dedication, and collaborative leadership made him an invaluable asset to the organization.

Yuefeng Sun, Ph.D.

Mollie B. & Richard A. Williford Professor, Di, sun@geos.tamu.edu, http://geoweb.tamu.edu/rector, TAMU Reservoir Geophysics Program 3115 TAMU, 63 Halbouty Building College Station, TX 77843-3115, USA, Tel. 979.845.0635 Fax 979.845.6162

Akmal Sultan is a highly respected geophysicist with 30 years of industry expertise and academic insight. His deep knowledge of UAE carbonate reservoirs, seismic interpretation skills, and research contributions make him an exceptional asset for geoscience education, research, and advanced reservoir studies.

Dr. Karl A. Berteussen

CEO GFF a.s. Professor Emeritus of Geophysics and Retired Director of Research at PI (berteussen@hotmail.com).

Akmal Sultan is a highly capable geophysicist whose practical insights, scientific rigor, and industry-aligned research have significantly impacted major UAE projects. His collaborative mindset, ethical standards, and deep operational experience make him an ideal contributor to both academic research and applied geoscience in the energy sector.

John Kennedy

President Orient Petroleum, Inc. Hayat Hall, Block# 2, Diplomatic Enclave 1, G-5 Islamabad, Pakistan.

Akmal Sultan is commended for his outstanding seismic evaluation of the Sanghar (Sinjhoro, Khipro and Mirpur Khas) blocks, which significantly contributed to Orient Petroleum securing exploration rights. His work has established high confidence in drillable prospects and potential discoveries. His dedication and teamwork are vital to exceeding exploration targets. An exceptional contribution, well recognized.

Bill Currin, Chief Geophysicist

Occidental Oil & Gas Corporation 1200 Discovery Drive Bakersfield, California 93309

Akmal Sultan served over six years at Occidental Pakistan, where he was recognized as an in-house expert on Badin Block exploration and Salt Range Blocks. His leadership in seismic data integration, prospect generation, and government liaison—resulting in significant operational savings—reflects his strong technical acumen and strategic capabilities in exploration geophysics. He is highly recommended for geophysical and managerial roles.

Micro-to-Macro multi-disciplined data Integration

Gallery

Browse through a selection of few visuals that highlight the range and impact of integrated work across different geophysical projects.