All three Noble Energy Inc. (NYSE: NBL) wells at the Galapagos development in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico are now producing and at rates greater than forecast.
Offshore staff
HOUSTON –All three Noble Energy Inc. (NYSE: NBL) wells at the Galapagos development in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico are now producing and at rates greater than forecast. At the same time, Noble is discontinuing appraisal of the Deep Blue prospect.
Production at Galapagos started from the BP-operatedIsabela field in early June, followed by the Noble Energy-operated Santa Cruz and Santiago fields. With the addition of Galapagos, Noble Energy’s deepwater Gulf of Mexico production has increased to approximately 30,000 boe/d, with more than 80% of that as oil.
On Deep Blue, Noble and partners will not continue with appraisal work even though the initial well and a side track both encountered hydrocarbons.
The Deep Blue well originally spudded late in 2009 and the side track was under way when the moratorium following Macondo became effective. Noble Energy was required to suspend operations, and the rig working at that time was released. After the moratorium was lifted, another rig was certified undernew regulatory requirements and the side track was finished.
