Touchstone Exploration has reported drilling results from the Carapal Ridge-3 (CR-3) development well on its onshore Central block in Trinidad and Tobago, confirming multiple gas-bearing intervals and supporting further development of the Herrera reservoir.
CR-3 is the first well drilled into the Carapal Ridge pool in 17 years and encountered approximately 1,082 ft of net sand, including about 1,000 ft of net Herrera sands. Open-hole wireline logging, mud logging and drilling data indicate hydrocarbons are present throughout the Herrera interval, both above and below a shale marker. The well also encountered about 82 ft of net gas-charged sands in the overlying Karamat formation, which is now being evaluated as a potential standalone drilling target.
The well was spud on Nov. 23, 2025, and drilled to a total depth of 8,200 ft over 35 days using Star Valley Drilling Rig #205. During drilling, the well naturally built angle in the production section, resulting in approximately 341 ft drilled horizontally into previously unproduced Herrera sands below the shale marker, increasing reservoir exposure. Touchstone said the well was cased for future production following logging operations.
Completion operations are underway, with initial production planned from the lower horizontal section of the Herrera reservoir. Tie-in to the Central block natural gas processing facility is targeted for first-quarter 2026. Touchstone said the well came in about 25% over budget, primarily due to additional time and costs required to manage natural gas flows from the Karamat sands, which have not previously been produced on the block.
“The CR-3 well is our inaugural development well on the Central block and the first horizontal well drilled into the Herrera reservoir,” said Paul R. Baay, president and CEO of Touchstone Exploration. “The well has confirmed both the seismic model and the areal extent of a thick Herrera section, and the results support the potential for up to three additional Herrera development wells. The well has also established a second gas-charged play in the Karamat formation, which we are evaluating for future drilling.”
