NG Energy advances six-well Sinú-9 drilling campaign in Colombia

(WO) — NG Energy has spudded the second well in its six-well drilling campaign at Colombia's Sinú-9 block while completing pipeline infrastructure upgrades expected to increase gas transportation capacity as development advances across its Colombian assets.

The Magico-2X well was spudded June 26 and is targeting the newly discovered Pre-CDO–San Cayetano formation, following encouraging results from the Hechicero-1X well. The well is planned to reach a total measured depth of 7,500 ft and is expected to take approximately 35 days to drill and complete before being tied into the central processing facility.

Hechicero-1X previously tested at rates of up to 26.4 MMcfgd from the Pre-CDO–San Cayetano interval. Operator Maurel & Prom Colombia is currently producing the well at a managed rate of approximately 15 MMcfgd to support long-term reservoir performance.

NG Energy also announced completion of the INFRAES pipeline loop to Jobo. Commissioning activities at the Jobo and Guayabal facilities are underway and are expected to increase gross gas transportation capacity at Sinú-9 from 30 MMcfgd to between 40 MMcfgd and 45 MMcfgd. Current field production is approximately 17.5 MMcfgd gross.

At the Maria Conchita block, production currently averages approximately 14.8 MMcfgd gross, with existing infrastructure capable of handling up to 30 MMcfgd. The company said workover operations at the Aruchara-1 well are expected to conclude by July 10, after which drilling will begin on the Aruchara-6 development well.

Separately, NG Energy confirmed receipt of the latest $15 million installment from Etablissements Maurel & Prom under the companies' Sinú-9 transaction, bringing total proceeds received to approximately $135 million. The final $15 million payment is expected later this month.