Brazil’s state-controlled energy major Petrobras has strengthened the region’s resource base with a new Colombia offshore gas discovery, marking another step in its exploration activities in South America. The company confirmed that the Copoazu-1 exploratory well, located in Block GUA-OFF-O in deep waters offshore Colombia, has yielded gas. According to Petrobras, the Colombia offshore gas discovery reinforces the emerging gas province in the country’s offshore sector while adding incremental volumes that could support regional energy security.
The Copoazu-1 well is situated around 36 kilometers from the coastline, at a water depth of 964 meters, and approximately 8 kilometers from the Sirius-1 discovery and Sirius-2 appraisal wells. Petrobras noted that this proximity enhances the relevance of the Colombia offshore gas discovery within the broader exploration framework of Block GUA-OFF-O. Drilling operations began on 11th November 2025, and have progressed under conditions that prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. Gas-bearing intervals were identified through electric logs and fluid sampling, confirming hydrocarbons in an additional target beyond the primary objective, thereby increasing the overall significance of the find.
The company indicated that further laboratory analysis will be carried out to better characterize the gas-bearing zones. Petrobras highlighted that its activities in Block GUA-OFF-O align with its long-term strategy of replenishing oil and gas reserves through frontier exploration and partnerships. This approach is intended to sustain global energy supply amid the ongoing energy transition. Through its subsidiary, Petrobras International Braspetro B.V – Colombia Branch (PIB-COL), Petrobras operates the consortium alongside Ecopetrol.
The discovery also reflects ongoing offshore drilling investments, including the deployment of the Noble Discoverer semi-submersible rig, which was contracted in December 2023 to support operations in Colombia. Petrobras later extended the rig’s assignment by 390 days in April 2025. The DSS-21 column-stabilized, dynamically positioned, sixth-generation unit is capable of operating in water depths of up to 10,000 feet (3.05 kilometers) and can drill to a maximum depth of 40,000 feet (12.19 kilometers). Petrobras emphasized that the latest Colombia offshore gas discovery underscores the company’s continued focus on expanding its exploration portfolio while advancing offshore development in the region.
