Noble Energy reports impact of Hurricane Rita
  by: OilOnline
  Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Noble Energy, Inc. has provided an update on the current status of the company's operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The company has resumed operations in the Gulf of Mexico with total net production currently at approximately 10,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Boepd). The company expects Gulf of Mexico production to continue to increase depending on the restarting of pipeline and other facilities not operated by Noble Energy.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Noble Energy's net Gulf of Mexico production averaged approximately 26,000 Boepd for June and July, or approximately 16 percent of Noble Energy's total net production at the end of the second quarter. Based on the initial inspections of the company's operated platforms, no additional major damage has been identified as a result of Hurricane Rita, although damage to third party processing and pipeline facilities has slowed the reinstatement of production. All potentially impacted areas in the Gulf of Mexico were shut in prior to the arrival of Hurricane Rita, and all personnel were safely evacuated.

Average BOE production in 2005 (including production from the acquisition of Patina Oil & Gas, which closed May 16, 2005) is expected to increase approximately 36 percent compared to the full year 2004, with average production of approximately 145,000 to 146,000 Boepd. Third quarter 2005 production is expected to average 168,000 Boepd, an increase of 58 percent from the third quarter 2004, but below expectations due to the impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Fourth quarter production is expected to range from 165,000 to 170,000.

At Swordfish, the company expects the first of three wells to begin production during the month of October. The remaining two wells are expected to begin production in November as additional third party facilities are reinstated.