Offshore staff
HOUSTON -- Noble Energy has suspended drilling operations at the Leviathan #1 location, which was testing deeper potential in the well in the Levantine basin offshore Israel.
The company identified wear on the wellbore casing, meaning that additional material and equipment would be needed to complete drilling. Noble is working to procure these items, which are not available in Israel.
As a result, theSedco Express rig will be moved to the Tamar field, where development drilling should start around one week from now. Noble says development of Tamar remains on schedule for commissioning in late 2012.
The company operates Leviathan in the Rachel license, with a 39.66% interest, in partnership with Delek Drilling, Avner Oil, and Ratio Oil Exploration.
04/01/2011
