Cabot Oil & Gas Reports Increase in Production, New Wells Coming Online in 2010 in PA
PR Newswire (Feb 21)
Cabot Oil & Gas Provides Operations Update Current Marcellus Production Over 100 Mmcf per Day!
From a press release just issued by Cabot Oil & Gas, we get the following update on their Marcellus drilling activities (below is exact wording from the release):
During the third quarter call, Cabot announced its intent to complete one well per week through the end of the year in its Marcellus operation. This effort was successful although weather at year-end and a stream-crossing delay slowed several wells from being turned in line. During this period ten wells were completed with five wells flowing to sales and five wells waiting on pipeline. "These five wells, that were turned in line, had an average 30 day production rate of 6 Mmcf per day," stated Dinges [Dan O. Dinges, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer]. "Included in this population was the Company’s first horizontal Purcell Limestone test that had a 30 day production rate of 7.3 Mmcf per day. The Purcell is located between the Upper and Lower Marcellus under our acreage position in Susquehanna County, PA." Dinges added, "This success potentially opens up additional locations and prospectivity."
In total for 2009, the Company drilled 30 horizontal wells with 14 being completed and turned in line. The average initial production (IP) rate for these wells was 7.5 Mmcf per day with an average 30 day production rate of 6.9 Mmcf per day. "Because of the production history and the consistency of results, we are now estimating ultimate reserves of 5.5 Bcf per well, up from our original disclosure of 4.5 Bcf per well," commented Dinges.
The enhanced pace of completions has carried through to 2010 with three more horizontal wells turned in line and gross production over 100 Mmcf per day as of February 19, 2010. Since January 1, the range of 24-hour IP rates for the 2010 completions has been from 2.6 Mmcf to 16.1 Mmcf per day. "We currently have 17 horizontal wells waiting on completion with five rigs running and two completions underway in Susquehanna County. We also have a significant pipeline laying operation ongoing," said Dinges. "One year ago in the Marcellus we were producing 16 Mmcf per day and now our rate is just above 100 Mmcf per day."
In terms of infrastructure, Cabot recently executed binding Agreements to anchor a new 20" high pressure gathering line. Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE: WPZ) will construct and operate the 28-mile gathering line, which will run from Cabot’s Susquehanna County operating area south to Williams Partners’ Transco interstate gas pipeline. The new line is expected to be in service by mid-summer 2011. Cabot will be the majority capacity holder and this firm service will add additional flexibility to its current takeaway position. "This firm takeaway commitment goes a long way to providing the next wedge of needed capacity for the Company," stated Dinges.