Apache Corporation says that hydrocarbon production has begun at its Balboa Field, located on East Breaks Block 597. Initial gross flow rates have stabilized at approximately 30 million cubic feet of natural gas and 1,400 barrels of oil per day. Apache's subsidiary is the operator of the field and holds a 50 percent working interest.

Balboa is located in estimated water depths of 3,350 feet approximately 130 miles south of Galveston, Texas. The field is a one-well development with a six-mile tieback to the Anadarko-operated Boomvang spar on East Breaks 643. The reservoir features oil-bearing sandstones with a natural gas cap. The well has been completed near the crest of the structure to optimize overall hydrocarbon recovery. This completion was designed to initially produce natural gas and liquids with increasing liquids and decreasing gas volumes throughout the life of the field.

"Subsea tieback technology has significantly improved the economics for deepwater developments by lowering the threshold for commercial accumulations," said John Crum, co-chief operating officer and president - North America. "Through acquisitions completed in 2010, Apache now has both the capability in-house and the portfolio of properties in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico to exploit assets such as Balboa and add shareholder value."

Apache assumed operatorship of Balboa with the acquisition of Mariner Energy in November 2010. The field commenced production on Dec. 28, 2010.

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