Dallas-based independent Pioneer Natural Resources Co. on Friday said two discovery wells, Tomahawk and Raptor, began production last Wednesday. The two wells are located in the Falcon field in the western deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM), which currently is producing 350 MMcf/d of natural gas and 1,000 bbl/d of condensate.

Pioneer developed the two wells as subsea tie-backs to the Falcon field facilities and established a new record for deepwater GOM operations completing development of the fields in 10 months. Pioneer holds a 100% working interest and operates all four fields in the Falcon Corridor, which began production last year (see Daily GPI, April 1, 2003).

Tomahawk (East Breaks Block 623) is located 1.4 miles, and Raptor (East Breaks Block 668) is located 5.5 miles from the Falcon subsea manifold in water depths ranging from 3,600-3,700 feet. The wells produce into a dual flowline system connecting the Falcon manifold to the Falcon Nest processing platform located 32 miles to the north on the GOM shelf. Falcon Nest is owned and operated by GulfTerra Energy Partners LP.

“In just over three years, Pioneer has discovered and initiated production from four deepwater fields in the Falcon Corridor achieving tremendous returns,” said CEO Scott D. Sheffield. “The Falcon field began production in March 2003, and the cost of its development was recovered through net cash flow from the field in March 2004. The Harrier field began production in February 2004 and paid out within four months in May 2004. We expect similar results with Tomahawk and Raptor and look forward to testing additional prospects with subsea tie-back potential in our exploration program planned for the second half of this year.”

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