Noble Energy, Inc. today announced it is the high bidder on nine deepwater lease blocks in the Central Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Sale 205, held October 3, 2007. Of the nine high bids, Noble Energy joined with Samson Offshore Company on three and bid alone on the remaining six. In addition to the nine high bids, Noble Energy has the option to acquire an interest in two third-party high bid blocks.
Noble Energy's share of the lease bonuses on the nine high bids totals approximately $53.5 million. The nine blocks cover in excess of 48,428 acres in water depths ranging from approximately 2,605 feet to approximately 7,651 feet. Noble Energy concentrated its bids on deepwater opportunities in the Mississippi Canyon, Atwater Valley, Green Canyon, Walker Ridge and Garden Banks areas of the Gulf of Mexico.
All high bids are subject to approval by the Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Of its nine high bids, Noble Energy has a 100 percent working interest in six and a 50 percent working interest in the remaining three. If awarded by the MMS, Noble Energy will be the operator of all nine blocks.