Hess Corporation declares that the Nimblefoot-1 exploration well on Australia's Northwest Shelf discovered natural gas. The well encountered 93 feet (28 meters) of net gas pay.

Nimblefoot-1 is the third of four initial exploration wells being drilled on the WA-390-P Permit by Hess in 2008. The previous wells, Glencoe-1 and Briseis-1, were announced as discoveries on June 10, 2008 and July 20, 2008, respectively.

"The results of this well support our view of the potential of the WA-390-P Permit and will contribute important data as we continue to refine our geological model of the area," said John O'Connor, Hess President of Exploration and Production.

Nimblefoot-1 was drilled in 3,658 feet (1,115 meters) of water by the semi-submersible rig, Jack Bates. Following the completion of the Nimblefoot-1 well, the Jack Bates rig will move 27 kilometers southeast to drill the Warrior prospect.

Hess holds a 100 percent interest in the 780,000 acre WA-390-P Permit.

Tags: Hess Corporation