Noble Energy, Inc. says that the Bright exploration well in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico reached the targeted Upper and Middle Miocene objectives and did not encounter hydrocarbons. Drilled to a total depth of 13,500 feet on Atwater Valley 362, the well has been plugged and abandoned. Full well assessment and the integration of drilling results into the Company's geologic models is ongoing to determine forward exploration plans on the recently acquired Atwater Valley acreage.

Susan Cunningham, Senior Vice President, Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, and Frontier, said, "While we are disappointed with the results of the Bright well, we remain extremely encouraged by the recent success of our exploration program in the Gulf. We look forward to results at our Katmai and Dantlzer exploration wells later this month."

Tags: Noble Energy