Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Extractive Industries [Abstract]

Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs

CAPITALIZED EXPLORATORY WELL COSTS

The Company’s capitalized exploratory well costs were $262 million and $245 million at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The increase is primarily attributable to drilling activities, partially offset by successful transfers and dry hole write-offs. Exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year since the completion of drilling were $93 million and $61 million at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The exploratory well costs that had been capitalized for a period greater than one year at December 31, 2015 are associated with the Aviat discovery in the North Sea and comprise exploration and appraisal activities. The amount of exploratory well costs capitalized for a period greater than one year increased by $32 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 as a result of exploration drilling in Suriname. No suspended exploratory well costs previously capitalized for greater than one year at December 31, 2015 were charged to dry hole expense during the six months ended June 30, 2016. Projects with suspended exploratory well costs capitalized for a period greater than one year since the completion of drilling are those identified by management as exhibiting sufficient quantities of hydrocarbons to justify potential development. Management is actively pursuing efforts to assess whether reserves can be attributed to these projects.