Noble Energy to resume exploration drilling offshore Falkland Islands
Noble Energy plans to resume exploration drilling in the Falkland Islands in 2015, following the acquisition and evaluation of an extensive 3D seismic program over portions of the company’s 10 million-acre position. The company’s initial operated prospect has been named Humpback and is located in the Fitzroy sub-basin of the Southern Area License.
The Humpback prospect is one of multiple stacked fan prospects clustered together in the sub-basin. This group of prospects combined has an estimated gross unrisked resource potential of approximately 1 billion bbl, according to the company. Noble Energy anticipates drilling operations at Humpback to begin in mid-2015, dependent on rig arrival. The operator is currently finalizing prospect locations for a second exploration well, planned for later in 2015 following results at Humpback. Noble Energy operates its licenses offshore the Falkland Islands with a 35% working interest.
“We are excited about our upcoming exploration program in the Falkland Islands, where we will be testing a basin with multibillion barrel potential,” Mike Putnam, Noble Energy Vice President of Exploration, said. “Our recent 3D seismic acquisition has confirmed our initial thoughts that the basin contains prospects of material size with ample follow-on opportunities. The Falklands provides an opportunity to create another core area for Noble Energy through organic exploration success.”
In addition, the Scotia well, which was drilled in 2012 utilizing 2D seismic interpretation, has been deemed non-commercial following evaluation of the 3D seismic data and full integration of well results into the company’s geologic models.
Noble Energy has updated its guidance for Q3 2014 exploration expense to between $230 million and $240 million, including approximately $75 million related to the Scotia well decision. Due to the increased exploration expense, the company expects its Q3 2014 adjusted effective tax rate to be between 35% and 38%, with most of the tax provision representing current taxes.
