Petrobras confirms gas in Colombia

By Rafael Bortoloti

Petrobras has confirmed the presence of gas at the Uchuva-2 well, an extension of the Uchuva-1 discovered two years ago. Located in the Tayrona Block in the Guajira Basin in Colombia, Uchuva-2 is situated 31 km off the coast at a depth of 804 meters.

Petrobras is the operator of the block with a 44.44% stake, in partnership with Ecopetrol, which holds 55.56%. Although WSB typically focuses on news from Brazil, this discovery in Colombia highlights Petrobras’s growing international presence in South America. The company has been expanding its portfolio and establishing new offices abroad, potentially creating opportunities for Brazilian drilling companies.

Another important aspect is the specific challenges of exploration in Colombia. Our Geologist Anidio Correa, Leader of Environmental Projects at R&D at WSB Advisors, explains that the origin of the basins and sediments in the region is distinct, which may require the use of different types of vessels.

“It changes everything. Exploration in Colombia will bring new challenges for Petrobras, as these wells are different from those found in Brazil. This region of the Caribbean has a unique environment, heavily influenced by volcanism. The origin of the basins and sediments is completely different, as is the composition of the rocks and the thickness of the layers. This may require, for example, the use of a drillship different from the ones commonly used in Brazil,” says Corrêa.