ABSTRACTThe Kodiak Shelf Basin is one of the undeveloped basins in Alaska. In surrounding areas, hydrocarbon accumulations have been found. It is of interest to investigate whether there might also be hydrocarbons generated in the Kodiak Shelf Basin.Using both one‐ and two‐dimensional fluid flow/compaction models, together with geological, geophysical and geochemical data from the Kodiak Shelf Basin, we simulate the development with time and depth of sedimentary compaction, porosity, permeability, pressure, palaeoheat flux variation and palaeotemperature variation. We then evaluate quantitatively the maturation of organic matter in the basin. The model results indicate that there was only a low likelihood of hydrocarbon generation in the basin due mainly to the combined effects of a cool palaeothermal history and low organic carbon cont