By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 13 -- The Israeli government has granted Ardmore, Okla.-based Noble Energy Inc. a license to construct a natural gas pipeline from Noble's Mari-B field off Israel to Ashdod. The direct route will enable Noble and its partners to supply gas to Israel Electric Corp.'s (IEC) Ashdod power station sooner than previously expected.
The IEC initial supply contract is for 630 bcf of natural gas over 11 years.
Noble's gas field development off Israel is part of a hot exploration and development play focused on gas that is gaining momentum in the East Mediterranean Sea region (see OGJ's related special report in the May 20, 2002, issue).
Noble said field development is progressing on schedule. Mari-B field is in 240 m of water 25 km from Ashkelon. Decks and production facilities are 59% complete, and the jacket is 39% complete. The jacket and production decks will be transported to Israel this winter for installation early next year. Field development and the connecting pipeline are slated for completion by third quarter 2003, enabling Noble to begin gas deliveries in fourth quarter 2003.
The facilities and pipeline have been designed to accommodate flow rates of 600 MMcfd in anticipation of supplying an expected rapid growth in Israeli natural gas demand.
Noble's wholly owned subsidiary, Samedan Oil Corp., is operator and holds a 47% interest in the project. Its partners are Delek Drilling LP, Delek Investments & Properties Ltd., and Avner Oil Exploration LP.