Arrow Exploration, the high-growth operator with a portfolio of assets across key Colombian hydrocarbon basins, has provided an update on operations and provided guidance moving into 2024.
CORPORATE & 2024 BUDGET
The Company exited 2023 with a production rate exceeding 3,200 boe/d net.
Arrow's Board of Directors has approved the 2024 work program, which includes 15 wells and a $45 million net capital budget. The entire capex budget will be financed by current cash reserves and operating cash flow. The 2024 budget focuses on the Tapir block and the development of the Carrizales Norte (CN) field. The Company expects to employ two rigs for the entire year on the Tapir block with a third rig being utilized as required. The capex emphasis is focused on development and infill drilling combined with targeting low-risk exploration prospects.
The Company plans to drill three horizontal wells at CN penetrating the 110 feet of oil column proven up by the initial three wells drilled in the Ubaque reservoir in 2023. The Company also plans on drilling four Carbonera C7 vertical wells at CN on a broad structural high. Both zones have proven to be prolific producers in the initial drilling phase. Another vertical well at CN will focus on production out of the Ubaque which will give the Company additional information on the direction of the planned horizontal wells. In addition to the development of CN, Arrow will be focusing on low-risk exploration, with wells spread across the Mateguafa prospect, a step out from the initial Mateguafa discovery, (that has produced 600,000 barrels to date), the Baquiano prospect, which is believed to be technically identical to the Carrizales Norte discovery, and the Carrizales Noroeste prospect that will test the hydrocarbon-charged structure west of the main fault at CN. In isolation, each prospect has potential, on its own, to add materially to production, reserves and cash flow.
The Tapir Block in the Llanos Basin of Colombia, where Arrow holds a 50 per cent beneficial interest, currently has 11 producing wells including the latest wells to be drilled, Rio Cravo Este 7 (RCE-7) and Rio Cravo Este 8 (RCE-8). Both RCE-7 and RCE-8 were completed in the C7 and brought on production during the last quarter of 2023. RCE-7 and RCE-8 are exceeding expectations with combined production of over 1,700 BOPD gross (850 BOPD net). The RCE complex has produced 1.7 million barrels in the last 12 months and additional development locations are planned.
Oso Pardo and Capella
The Oso Pardo-3 and Oso Pardo-4 wells on the Oso Pardo field in the Middle Magdalena Valley Basin of Colombia, where Arrow has a 100 per cent working interest, were drilled and tested successfully. During the testing phase for both wells, Management determined that there was reservoir damage due to high mud weight used in drilling. Original OP wells were ultimately stimulated with positive results. Arrow expects the reservoir stimulations to take place early in the first quarter of 2024 and for the wells to be put on production. Production from Oso Pardo 1 was offline at year-end due to a hole in the production pipe. Management expects to turn the well back on in early 2024 once the workover is complete.
Capella remains offline, while discussions continue between the operator and local communities.
Marshall Abbott, CEO of Arrow commented:
'Arrow is proud of the work completed and results for 2023, our average production rates more than doubled over the year and the Company proved it was able to execute an aggressive capital work program. The Company believes it is capable of similar production growth in 2024. Arrow discovered a new, multi-zone, core area and enjoyed a positive step change in reserves. Arrow was also able to complete a 100 square km 3D seismic program and develop numerous new prospects.
'In 2024 the Company plans to continue the high-paced growth profile with development drilling in the Ubaque and Carbonera formations. The 2023 results demonstrate that the Carbonera remains a solid high-volume producer while the Ubaque formation has proven production that extends beyond the CN complex. Multiple development locations are anticipated based on current results, including horizontal drilling in the Ubaque reservoir in the CN field. Horizontal wells typically produce at materially higher rates with marginal cost increases compared to a vertical well, increasing recovery and the economics of thick pay oil fields. As well, additional development drilling is contemplated from the RCE pad.
'Arrow's fully funded, low risk drilling program for 2024 continues to build momentum across our extensive portfolio. Arrow is poised to achieve significantly higher production and commensurate cash flow through the 2024 calendar year.
'The Board of Directors appreciates the successful work of our dedicated employees in Calgary and Bogota and the support from our patient shareholder base.'
Source: Arrow Exploration
