Brazil’s state-owned energy giant Petrobras is making headlines with a significant natural gas discovery off the coast of Colombia, adding to the region’s energy wealth.
Located in the deep waters of the Sandia-1 exploratory well within Block GUA-OFF-O, this discovery is about 42 kilometers offshore at a depth of 1,251 meters. Notably, it’s situated just 18 kilometers from the already discovered Sirius-1 and Sirius-2 wells, and a mere 9 kilometers from the Copoazu-1 site.
Petrobras operates the consortium with a 44.44% stake, partnered with Colombia’s state-owned Ecopetrol, which holds 55.56%. To drill these wells, Petrobras employed the Noble Discoverer semi-submersible rig, known for its cutting-edge technology and efficiency.
The Noble Discoverer rig, launched in 2009, is a sixth-generation, dynamically positioned vessel adept at operating in challenging environments. It can handle water depths up to a staggering 10,000 feet (3.05 kilometers) and can drill to depths of 40,000 feet (12.19 kilometers). Notably, Petrobras extended its contract for this rig by 390 days in April 2025, reflecting the ongoing demand for offshore drilling services in the region.
Following its drilling program, the Sandia-1 well was initiated on June 12, 2026, and reached its target depth by July 29, 2026. Petrobras touts this as a landmark achievement that underscores the potential for natural gas off the Colombian coast, thereby enhancing the local energy security landscape.
The company is committed to conducting its operations with high environmental standards, ensuring careful evaluation of newly detected gas zones. Ongoing assessments through well logs and laboratory analyses aim to confirm the viability of these discoveries.
Petrobras views this discovery in Block GUA-OFF-O as aligning with its long-term strategy, emphasizing the need to replenish oil and gas reserves through exploration of new frontiers and strategic partnerships. This approach not only targets local energy needs but also seeks to address global energy demands during the transition towards more sustainable energy initiatives.
Ecopetrol has also expressed optimism regarding this latest discovery, emphasizing its significance for the gas potential in the Colombian Caribbean. It underscores the efficacy of the current offshore exploration campaign, which is pivotal in augmenting the gas supply within the country.
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