NEW YORK — Chevron Corp. has successfully completed a production test on its St. Malo oil field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Flow rates during the test exceeded 13,000 barrels per day, according to the company. "The jointly developed Jack and St. Malo fields are expected to provide a major step-up in Chevron’s production from 2014 and produce domestic energy for decades to come," Gary Luquette, president of Chevron North America Exploration & Production Co., said

A floating production unit capable of processing 177,000 barrels per day is being developed to serve the two fields, with total project costs estimated at $7.5 billion, according to the company.

San Ramon, Calif.-based Chevron has a 51-percent stake in the St. Malo field.