Pioneer commences production from Oooguruk

US based independent exploration and production company, Pioneer Natural Resources Company begins production and sales from the Oooguruk Unit on the North Slope.

Pioneer, which holds 70% working interest and operates the Oooguruk unit has set a new precedent for North Slope offshore development by bringing Oooguruk on line in less than five years.

Italian company Eni holds the remaining working interest in the unit. The Oooguruk is located some 250 kilometres southeast of Barrow offshore the North Slope of Alaska.

The joint venture partners have sanctioned the Oooguruk development in early 2006 after drilling three exploration wells during the winter of 2003.

The company expects to initially produce 2,000 to 3,000 gross BOPD from Oooguruk. However, the production is expected to be shut in for approximately 45 days this summer for scheduled maintenance.

Thereafter, production will be reinitiated and the company hopes rise in production in the near future.