Petrobras and Ecopetrol Complete Major Offshore Gas Exploration Campaign in Colombia
Petrobras (PBR) has solidified its presence in Colombia’s offshore natural gas sector following the conclusion of a major exploration campaign in the deepwater Caribbean. The two-and-a-half-year program, completed in partnership with Ecopetrol (EC), involved drilling five exploration wells and an investment of approximately $1 billion. Petrobras operated the project with a 44.4% stake, while Ecopetrol held the remaining 55.6% in the GUA-OFF-0 contract.
The campaign is a strategic move for Petrobras, expanding its exploration portfolio beyond Brazil and tapping into a potentially significant natural gas province. It has already yielded discoveries, including the Sandia-1 well in August 2026 and the Copoazú-1 well in March 2026, both of which reinforce the geological potential of the region. These findings could support future resource development and bolster Colombia’s domestic gas supply.
The project required extensive logistical and technical coordination, including over 1,000 helicopter flights, 1,400 hours of flight time, and the transportation of 147,600 tons of cargo. Despite the challenging environment, the campaign was completed without any accidents or operational incidents, demonstrating Petrobras’ operational discipline.
Investors should watch for further appraisal activity and development planning linked to the discoveries. The ability to convert these findings into economically viable production will determine the financial impact on Petrobras. With natural gas demand and energy security remaining key priorities in Colombia, Petrobras’ offshore position could provide long-term growth opportunities.