Marathon reported Q1 2011 sales volumes averaged 400,000 boepd, up 11% over the same period in 2010. This was primarily the result of increased liquid hydrocarbon volumes from the Droshky development in the GoM, which commenced production in mid-2010, and Norway, partially offset by the impact of the suspension of Libyan production. Natural gas sales from Equatorial Guinea were higher in Q1 2011 due to a first quarter 2010 planned turnaround at Marathon's production facilities.
Marathon’s production in Libya is currently suspended as a result of continued political and civil unrest. Marathon had expected to produce approximately 48,000 boepd from the Waha Concession during 2011. In the first quarter of 2011, production available for sale from Libya averaged 28,000 boepd, of which approximately 21,000 boepd was sold. On a cumulative basis, the underlift for Libya at the end of the first quarter was approximately 847,000 boe.
Marathon estimates Q2 2011 production available for sale is projected between 340,000 and 360,000 boepd, excluding the effect of any future acquisitions or dispositions. Anticipated full-year E&P production available for sale is between 345,000 and 365,000 boepd.
Marathon’s production in Libya is currently suspended as a result of continued political and civil unrest. Marathon had expected to produce approximately 48,000 boepd from the Waha Concession during 2011. In the first quarter of 2011, production available for sale from Libya averaged 28,000 boepd, of which approximately 21,000 boepd was sold. On a cumulative basis, the underlift for Libya at the end of the first quarter was approximately 847,000 boe.
Unconventional, Liquid-rich Resource Plays
During the quarter, Marathon spud its first well targeting the Eagle Ford Shale formation in south Texas. As the Company continues its strategy of focusing on unconventional, liquids-rich resource plays, Marathon has increased its holdings in the Eagle Ford Shale to approximately 29,000 acres, with the rights to acquire an additional 61,000 acres. The Company also has reached agreements on approximately 30,000 additional acres and expects to close those transactions in the second quarter.
Source:Derrick Petroleum E&P Transactions Database
Exploration expenses were $230 million for the first quarter of 2011, compared to $98 million in the first quarter of 2010. Included in exploration expenses for the first quarter of 2011 were dry well expenses of approximately $159 million, primarily related to the Flying Dutchman well located in the Gulf of Mexico and the Romeo well in the Pasangkayu block offshore Indonesia. In March 2011, Marathon completed an evaluation and determined the options to develop Flying Dutchman were not viable. For Romeo, the reservoir's thickness and quality confirmed pre-drill geologic models, but the well was determined to be dry.
Exploration expenses were $230 million for the first quarter of 2011, compared to $98 million in the first quarter of 2010. Included in exploration expenses for the first quarter of 2011 were dry well expenses of approximately $159 million, primarily related to the Flying Dutchman well located in the Gulf of Mexico and the Romeo well in the Pasangkayu block offshore Indonesia. In March 2011, Marathon completed an evaluation and determined the options to develop Flying Dutchman were not viable. For Romeo, the reservoir's thickness and quality confirmed pre-drill geologic models, but the well was determined to be dry.
