Touchstone Exploration Inc. has officially recommenced development drilling operations in Trinidad’s Central Block, marking the first such activity in the region since 2006. The energy company, led by President and CEO Paul Baay, initiated drilling at the Carapal Ridge-3 development well near Princes Town in southern Trinidad.
The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries confirmed the operational restart on December 1, highlighting that Touchstone assumed control of the 6,600-acre Central Block following a successful transfer from Shell Trinidad Central Block Ltd on May 16. Since acquiring the asset, the company has conducted comprehensive resource evaluations and formulated plans for four developmental wells across the block.
Notably, the ministry facilitated an accelerated timeline that enabled drilling operations to begin three weeks ahead of the original schedule. Touchstone’s internal projections indicate that production from the Central Block could potentially exceed 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of natural gas.
In an official statement, the Ministry expressed enthusiasm for the renewed drilling activity: “These investments in drilling by Touchstone are welcomed as they aid in bringing much needed natural gas to market. The MEEI welcomes this renewed activity in our onshore natural gas fields and looks forward to further collaboration with all operators in revitalising our energy sector to benefit the citizens of the Republic of TT.”
The development represents a significant step in revitalizing Trinidad’s domestic energy sector and addressing the nation’s natural gas supply requirements through increased exploration activity.