LNG

May 3 (LNGJ) - Noble Energy, which has East Mediterranean LNG development plans, said the Leviathan deep well offshore Israel has reached a depth of around 21,400 feet, the deepest known penetration in the Levant Basin. "High well pressure and the mechanical limits of the wellbore design resulted in the suspension of drilling operations before the primary objective was reached," Noble said. "Over the course of deepening the Leviathan No. 1 well, the company and its partners have obtained valuable geologic and engineering data about the basin. At around 21,000 feet, the well encountered a zone where natural gas was detected. The composition of the natural gas was heavier than discovered in the shallower intervals and suggests a thermogenic source. Additionally, at total depth of 21,400 feet, higher pressure was encountered indicating the possibility of an overlying seal," it added.