By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 2 -- Mariner Energy Inc., Houston, has restarted production at Ochre and Pluto gas fields in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
Ochre field, on Mississippi Canyon Block 66, has resumed production of 10.5 MMcfd of gas equivalent (gross). The field was shut-in due to damages caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
On Mississippi Canyon Block 718, Mariner has brought Pluto production on stream. The field is expected to flow at 40-50 MMcfd of gas equivalent (gross). The field was originally shut-in for the drilling and completion of a new well, but start-up was delayed due to Hurricane Katrina last year.
Mariner holds a majority interest in and is operator of these two fields.
The company estimates that most of its remaining 2005 hurricane-related production shutins will restart in the fourth quarter.
