The results of Chevron’s initial exploration in the Kaybob area of the Duvernay play in Alberta, Canada show liquid yield from completed wells in the 30-70% range, with initial production rates of as much as 7.5 million cubic feet of natural gas and 1,300 barrels of condensate per day. [Chevron]

China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) announced first production from the Rochelle gas condensate field in the UK sector of the North Sea on Friday. Initial production was from West Rochelle, and East Rochelle drilling is ongoing, with first production expected before year-end. CNOOC holds a 41% interest in the field through its acquisition of Canada’s Nexen, with other shareholders including Endeavour International (44%) and Premier Oil (15%). [CNOOC]

US independent Pioneer has sold its Alaska subsidiary to Texas-based Caelus Energy for $550 million. Pioneer will redeploy capital from its Alaska operations to the northern Spraberry/Wolfcamp in Texas’ Perman Basin. Alaska Governor Sean Parnell issued a press release officially welcoming Caelus – which is expected to invest $1.5 billion in Alaska over the next six years – to the state. [Pioneer]