Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) today announced that production has commenced from the Tubular Bells Field, located in the Mississippi Canyon area of the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Hess holds a 57.14 percent interest in the Tubular Bells Field and is the operator. Chevron U.S.A. Inc. has a 42.86 percent interest.

Following a ramp-up period, Tubular Bells is expected to deliver gross production of approximately 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (25,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day net to Hess) from three producing wells by year end.

“This important achievement demonstrates our ability to successfully execute highly complex, deepwater development projects,” said John Hess, chief executive officer. “We are proud to deliver Tubular Bells safely and on budget. One year after Hess took over as operator, the project was sanctioned and fast tracked with an execution schedule to first oil in just three years.”

The Tubular Bells Field was discovered in 2003 and the development was sanctioned in October 2011. It lies in approximately 4,300 feet of water, 135 miles southeast of New Orleans.

Tubular Bells utilizes the first classic spar built in the United States. The design and construction were done entirely in the U.S. creating an estimated 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in Texas and Louisiana.

About Hess

Hess Corporation (NYSE:HES) is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas.

About Chevron

Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide. The company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; and develops the energy resources of the future, including biofuels. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif.