Overview

The Gulf Coast region comprises Apache’s interests in and along the Gulf of Mexico, in the areas on- and offshore Louisiana and Texas. Apache is the largest held-by-production acreage owner and the second-largest producer on the Outer Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico in waters less than 1,200 feet deep. The region holds 1.2 million gross acres along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas. In 2009, the region contributed approximately 20 percent of our worldwide production, about 21 percent of our revenues and, at year-end, held nearly 13 percent of our estimated proved reserves.

The Gulf Coast region had a productive year despite the capital curtailment stemming from lower commodity prices at the end of 2008. The region drilled or participated in 26 wells and performed 217 workovers and recompletions.  

In May 2009, production commenced from two deepwater wells in the Geauxpher field, located on Garden Banks Block 462. During the second half of 2009, the field produced an average of 91 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) gross. Apache generated the prospect and has a 40-percent working interest.

Another key deepwater discovery, the Ewing Banks 998 that test-flowed 4,254 barrels per day and 5.4 MMcfd, will be connected to existing facilities with first production projected for mid-year 2010. Apache owns a 50-percent interest in the property.