Apache Corp has commenced the hydrocarbon production from its Balboa Field, located on East Breaks Block 597 in the Gulf of Mexico.

The initial gross flow rates have stabilized at approximately 30 million cubic feet of natural gas and 1,400 barrels of oil per day.

Apache‘s subsidiary is the operator of the field and holds a 50% working interest.

Balboa is located in estimated water depths of 3,350ft approximately 130 miles south of Galveston, Texas.

The field is a one-well development with a six-mile tieback to the Anadarko-operated Boomvang spar on East Breaks 643.

The reservoir features oil-bearing sandstones with a natural gas cap.

The well has been completed near the crest of the structure to optimize overall hydrocarbon recovery.

Apache assumed operatorship of Balboa with the acquisition of Mariner Energy in November 2010.