PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (By Piero Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 30.Mar.2026, Words: 285) — Touchstone Exploration Inc. said the Carapal Ridge 3 (CR-3) well was successfully tied into the Central block natural gas facility and brought onstream on 28 Mar. 2026.
The well is currently flowing natural gas and condensate as it continues to recover drilling and completion fluids.
Since the Central block acquisition, gross natural gas throughput (excluding Coho-1 volumes) has increased from approximately 16 MMcf/d to 19 MMcf/d through optimization, rising further to approximately 21.5 MMcf/d following the startup of CR-3, Touchstone announced on 30 Mar. 2026 in an official statement.
The CR-3 well commenced production on 28 Mar. 2026, and is currently flowing natural gas, 58-degree API condensate, and drilling and completion fluids. While initial deliverability is currently being impacted by mud losses and liquids in the wellbore, the well continues to clean up drilling and completion fluids to the facility. Increased production from CR-3 is expected to accelerate the fulfillment of gas volumes committed under “deliver or pay” requirements, enabling a strategic shift toward the company’s higher-priced LNG sales contracts, Touchstone said.
Other highlights:
— during the current cleanup phase, CR-3 has demonstrated intermittent peak rates of up to 5.7 MMcf/d during liquid offloading.
— the Cascadura facility has boostered compressor successfully completed run testing in Houston. The unit is currently in transit to Trinidad, with arrival at port expected in Apr. 2026 and commissioning targeted for May 2026.
— Touchstone successfully drilled the FR-1835 well on the WD-8 block, encountering approximately 290 feet of net pay. The drilling rig has since spudded the second well in a four-well campaign.
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By Piero Stewart reporting from Panama City. © 1999-2026 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
