By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 18 -- Noble Energy Inc. said its Raton appraisal well on Mississippi Canyon Block 292-5 in 3,400 ft of water in the Gulf of Mexico encountered hydrocarbons in the anticipated sand intervals and has been temporarily abandoned.
Drilled to 20,913 ft MTD, the well was to appraise the deep section below the June 2006 Raton gas discovery on MC Block 248-1. Additional technical work is needed to evaluate future options, Noble said.
Noble also is planning the fast-track subsea development of a gas interval discovered in the original Raton well. Production from this zone is expected to start during first half 2008.
Noble is operator and 50% interest holder of the Raton project. Samson Offshore Co. and Energy Partners Ltd. each hold a 25% interest.
