PetroStrat is excited to attend the First EAGE/ALNAFT Workshop in Algiers, Algeria, between 11 and 13 May 2026. The workshop focuses on unlocking new hydrocarbon frontiers and energy opportunities in Algeria.
As exploration extends into new plays, precise stratigraphic resolution is essential to manage subsurface risk. At PetroStrat, our multidisciplinary team of geoscientists holds one of the industry’s most extensive knowledge bases. We provide integrated packages that help clients better understand their subsurface assets and reduce uncertainty in exploration and development projects.
We are pleased to be presenting at the inaugural conference, where we will be sharing some insightful research from our geochemistry team.
PetroStrat Presentation : Integrated geochemical workflow to de-risk frontier exploration in offshore Algeria
Presentation title: Unlocking Hydrocarbon Potential of the West Mediterranean Offshore Frontier Basin of Algeria.
Authors: Carolina Olivares, Olaia Zarketa, Douglas Rodrigues, Andy Parry & Mark Cowgill
Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Session 8: Reservoir De-risking: Integrated Geochemical, Petrophysical, and Hazard Characterization
Time: 1.55pm
Exclusive Summary By Carolina Olivares
This study presents an integrated geochemical workflow to de-risk frontier exploration in offshore Algeria. By using samples from Algeria, Iraq, and North America as comparative analogues, we have evaluated the hydrocarbon potential of diverse shale systems. Using Rock-Eval analysis and Kinex modelling, the study assessed key metrics including thermal maturity, organic porosity, and the Oil Saturation Index (OSI). Results show that organic porosity is primarily driven by kerogen type and maturity, with Algerian Type II samples exhibiting excellent storage potential. Overall, this comparative analogue approach provides a cost-effective method for identifying producible intervals and reducing exploration risk in the Algerian Mediterranean margin.
Short bio of the PetroStrat authors
Carolina Olivares (Presenting)
Carolina Olivares brings over 30 years of international petroleum industry experience, with a technical focus on geochemistry, petroleum geochemistry, petroleum systems analysis and energy transition with a focus on natural hydrogen, helium and CCUS . She joined PetroStrat in 2018, following a career spanning operator roles and service company.
Olaia Zarketa
Olaia Zarketa has worked for a geological consultancy for 20 years as a lab technician, including the past two years as a specialist technician. She has developed a broad experience across multiple laboratory disciplines, spanning from biostratigraphy, SEM and QEMSCAN. Her primary focus has been in geochemical analysis such as TOC determination, Rock Eval pyrolysis and gas chromatography. She has consistently been involved in delivering high-quality analytical results to support geological interpretation.
Douglas Rodrigues
Douglas has almost 10 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, working for both, operators and consultancy companies. His main technical experience relies on organic geochemistry for fluids and rocks, PSA, basin modelling, seismic interpretation and petrophysical evaluation.
Andrew Parry
Andy Parry has worked in the laboratories for 42 years, and in that time, he has gained experience in most areas, including sample preparation and biostratigraphy. Andy’s main area of expertise is in the geochemistry labs, where he has been a laboratory specialist since 2005. Andy has experience of various screening analyses and solvent extraction techniques, but he is particularly specialised in Gas Chromatography analysis. Andy has also developed several in-house methods for GC and GC-MS and he is also skilled in maintenance of the lab equipment.
Mark Cowgill
Mark joined Robertson Research in 1995 as a structural geologist and has worked on numerous regional scale integrated studies across North Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf of Mexico. Mark is currently responsible for leadership of the Exploration Group at PetroStrat, a team including organic geochemists & petroleum systems modellers, seismic interpreters, and petroleum geologists.
Global leaders in integrated geoscience services to the North Africa
PetroStrat has a strong history of work in North Africa. We have experience in both onshore and offshore settings across the region. We have the world-leading expertise to support your operations across:
- Algeria (Saharan and Offshore Basins)
- Egypt
- Libya
- Morocco
- Tunisia
Connect With Us At The Conference
We look forward to meeting colleagues in Algiers. Discuss your specific basin challenges with our experts. To arrange a meeting during the workshop, please use our website contact form. Everything you need to know about 2026 NAMS Microfossils
Conference: First EAGE/ALNAFT Workshop
Theme: Unlocking Hydrocarbon Potential of West Mediterranean Offshore Frontier Basin of Algeria
Location: Algiers, Algeria
Venue: Sheraton Club des Pins Resort
Date: 11 – 13 May 2026
