Cal Dive Takes Stake in Two Deepwater Projects

Cal Dive International

Cal Dive subsidiary, Energy Resource Technology, has entered into two separate participation agreements to acquire (a) 50% working interest in the Devil's Island discovery (Garden Banks Block 344 E/2) in 2300' of water and (b) 50% working interest in the Tulane Prospect (Garden Banks Blocks 114/158) in 1200' of water. Both of these deepwater developments are operated by Amerada Hess and will be drilled in 2005 in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Devil's Island discovery contains proved undeveloped reserves in a sand that has been very prolific in the area. The field will be developed via a subsea tieback to Baldpate Field (Garden Banks Block 260). Under the participation agreement, ERT will pay 100% of the drilling costs and a disproportionate share of the development costs to earn 50% working interest in the field. Amerada Hess will own 40% and Newfield 10% in the Devil's Island Field.

The previously disclosed Tulane prospect is a lower-risk exploration well targeting two deeper sands in the field. Under the participation agreement, ERT will pay a disproportionate share of the initial well cost to earn 50% working interest in the field. Amerada Hess will own the remaining 50%. The Tulane well will be produced via a subsea tieback to Garden Banks Block 72.

Cal Dive will have the opportunity to utilize their deepwater construction vessels for the installation of the subsea tiebacks for both fields. Cal Dive Chairman and CEO, Owen Kratz, indicated, "Cal Dive is pleased to be working with Amerada Hess on both these projects. Hess has extensive drilling and development experience in the Garden Banks area while Cal Dive brings subsea tieback knowledge and experience. Participation in these developments is in-line with our strategy to be a Production Contractor through our unique mix of production and contracting expertise."

Cal Dive and ERT have been active in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico during the past three years with their participation as a 20% working interest owner in the Gunnison Spar development, as well as innovative infrastructure ownership participation as a 50% owner of the Marco Polo TLP, and a 20% owner of the Independence Hub. Most recently, ERT has taken a 30% working interest in the deepwater discovery, Telemark (Atwater Valley Block 63).


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