Mansarovar Energy Colombia Ltd. (MECL), a 50:50 joint venture between ONGC Videsh of India and Sinopec of China, has achieved a major operational milestone by clocking a daily oil production of 5,153 barrels per day (BOPD) at the Velásquez Field. This is the highest production recorded since 1983, signaling a new phase of rejuvenation and efficiency for the mature oilfield.
Vel-339 Unlocks New Potential in Mature Field
A significant contributor to this record-breaking production is Well Vel-339, which alone delivers 543 BOPD. The performance of this well has opened up new potential in the Velásquez Field and reinforced MECL’s strategy of revitalizing legacy assets through targeted interventions.
Operational Overhaul Fuels Historic Output
Since acquiring Velásquez in 2006, MECL has implemented a range of optimization strategies, including infill drilling, enhanced oil recovery techniques, and infrastructure upgrades. In the fiscal year 2023–24, MECL nearly doubled its capital expenditure from USD 24.6 million to USD 49.7 million to bolster operations.
Velásquez operates over 320 wells, with 95 currently active, nearly all using artificial lift systems—80% progressive cavity pumps, 20% rod pumps, and newer hydraulic units. These systems have been crucial in maintaining consistent and enhanced recovery from the field.
Infrastructure Integration: Pipeline Advantage
MECL operates the Velásquez–Galán pipeline, a 187-kilometre-long infrastructure asset with a capacity of 50,000 BOPD, connecting the field directly to the Barrancabermeja refinery operated by Colombia’s Ecopetrol. This integration ensures a seamless supply chain from wellhead to refinery, reducing logistical hurdles and increasing cost efficiency.
ESG, Community, and Environmental Commitment
MECL has integrated sustainability into its core operations. In 2023, the company invested COP 1.1 billion (~USD 255,000) in social impact programs, reaching over 63,000 beneficiaries. Projects such as Agroemprende Cacao support rural entrepreneurship, while the Green SIAR initiative focuses on reforestation and biodiversity conservation.
The company also maintains a gas recycling rate of 80% and has adopted secondary recovery methods like waterflooding and chemical EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery), reflecting its strong ESG commitment.
About MECL
Mansarovar Energy Colombia Ltd. (MECL) is a strategic joint venture between ONGC Videsh Ltd. and Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration & Production Corporation. Established in 2006, MECL owns and operates the Velásquez Field and associated pipeline infrastructure. The company focuses on maximizing oil recovery from mature assets while maintaining strong environmental and community responsibility standards.
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