Offshore staff

(West Africa) - Noble Energy Inc. reported successful test results from its O-1 exploration prospect on block O offshore Equatorial Guinea.

The O-1 well, located in 250 ft of water and approximately 20 miles east of Bioko Island, was drilled to a total depth of 10,360 ft.

The company says test results were encouraging, with condensate-rich natural gas producing at maximum flow rates of 24 MMcf/d of natural gas and 1,225 b/d of condensate.

Flow rates were limited by surface test equipment. With the installation of cooling and processing facilities, condensate yields can be increased.

Additional appraisal work will be performed to determine the real extent and commerciality of the discovery. The company is currently reviewing options for a multi-well exploration and appraisal program, which could begin in 2006.

Noble Energy is the technical operator of block O with a 45% participating interest.

Its partners on the block include GEPetrol, the national oil company of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, with a 30% participating interest and Glencore Exploration Ltd. with a 25% participating interest.

10/18/05