Caption: Minister of Energy Dr Roodal Moonilal. Photo: T&T Parliament
THE Trinidad and Tobago government on Wednesday said it welcomed the announcement by Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Ltd, the oil and gas exploration and production company, of the successful drilling of the Carapal Ridge-3 Development Well.
Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Ltd is a subsidiary of the Canadian-based Touchstone Exploration Inc and is currently the largest independent onshore oil and natural gas producer in Trinidad, with a proven track record of growth since being founded in 2010.
Energy and Energy Industries Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said this development well was the first to be drilled within the onshore Central Block since 2006.
The ministry said that Carapal Ridge-3 was drilled to a depth of 8,200 ft and successfully penetrated the target Hererra sands which were found to be gas bearing. It said completion operations and testing of these sands are currently underway with production from this well expected to be tied into the Central Block gas processing facility during the first quarter of this year.
“Carapal Ridge-3 also discovered gas charged Karamat sands which are being evaluated as a standalone prospect for potential development,’ the ministry said, adding that since acquiring the Central Block in May 2025, Touchstone has evaluated the remaining resources resulting in their decision to drill Carapal Ridge-3.
It said three other development opportunities are being evaluated for development drilling incorporating the learnings from Carapal Ridge-3.
“The successful drilling supports Government’s thrust to bring much needed Natural Gas to market. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries looks forward to continued collaboration with Touchstone and other operators to develop and grow our energy sector for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement said. (CMC)
