Touchstone Exploration announced well test results on November 11 from its Cascadura-2ST1 and Cascadura-3ST1 wells, as it undertakes a production boost in Trinidad and Tobago. The production came through the Cascadura C onshore well pad in the Ortoire Block.
Touchstone said that during an extended 48-hour test, the Cascadura-2ST1 well produced an average rate of approximately 4,950 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), consisting of 26.4 million cubic feet per day of natural gas (cf/d) and 547 barrels per day (b/d) of natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company stated that initial field analysis shows the presence of liquids-rich natural gas with no produced water, similar to the characteristics of the Cascadura-2ST1 well.
Touchstone explained that the well had been shut in for a pressure buildup survey between November 6 and 9, with further analysis planned to identify reservoir continuity. On November 9, the Cascadura-2ST1 well was placed on continuous production at the choke-restricted initial natural gas rate of approximately 20 million cf/d, along with associated NGLs. Touchstone said this initial choke setting was selected based on well test analysis and is designed to maximize the ultimate recovery of both natural gas and NGLs from this section of the reservoir, ensuring optimal long-term performance.
As for the Cascadura-3ST1 well, Touchstone reported that over a 68-hour testing period, Cascadura-3ST1 achieved an average production rate of approximately 1,100 boe/d, including 786 b/d of crude oil and 1.9 million cf/d of natural gas. Touchstone explained that fluid analysis for the Cascadura-3ST1 well indicates medium API gravity crude oil with a 2% water cut, along with liquids-rich natural gas. The Cascadura-3ST1 well is currently shut in for a pressure buildup survey, with further analysis to be conducted to identify reservoir parameters and bottom-hole reservoir performance. Touchstone intends to place the Cascadura-3ST1 well on continuous production within the next day, at a choke-restricted initial rate of approximately 600 to 700 barrels a day of oil, aiming to optimize the well’s long-term production potential.
Touchstone noted that these two wells represent a material increase to its base production and reinforce its development strategy, opening the door to a new oil play. Furthermore, open-hole wireline logs indicate an additional unperforated sand in the Cascadura-3ST1 well with over 24 feet of net hydrocarbon pay, located at depths between 5,816 and 5,840 feet, uphole of the current production zone. This interval offers a potential future development opportunity for the company to pursue.
Touchstone said that for the Cascadura-2ST1 well, all production accumulated during well testing was processed for sales at the Cascadura natural gas processing facility, and it is currently on continuous production directed to this facility. For the Cascadura-3ST1 well, all production was processed for sales at the Cascadura natural gas processing facility, and it is scheduled to commence permanent production within the next two days.
Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “These encouraging well test results not only validate our geological models but also underscore the potential of the Cascadura field. With critical infrastructure in place between the wells, we are well-positioned to drill additional wells to further develop the field.”
Touchstone has an 80% operating interest in the Cascadura field in the onshore Ortoire Block. Heritage Petroleum holds the remaining 20%. Touchstone produced an average of 36 million cf/d in the first seven months of 2024, Trinidad government data shows.
Touchstone’s subsidiary, Primera Oil and Gas, entered into exploration and production licenses for Cipero and Charuma Blocks in July. Primera also commenced the Rio Claro license earlier this month and plans to spend US$2.4 million on obligations, including drilling of three wells.
