Petrobras, Ecopetrol ordered to halt Uchuva 2 offshore gas project

A Colombian judge has ordered the suspension of drilling activities at an offshore oil and gas well operated by Brazilian state-run company Petrobras.

Judge Carlos Villalva of the Santa Marta district court said Petrobras and partner Ecopetrol must halt exploration and production at their Uchuva 2 well pending the completion of a prior consultation process with local communities and a new environmental impact study. 

The decision comes after an indigenous group in the village of Taganga filed a legal claim for the protection of constitutional rights.

The suspension “is imperative to protect the fundamental rights of the indigenous people, ensuring their participation in all stages of the exploration and production process,” Villalva said in his four-page response to the claim. 

Villalva gave Petrobras and Ecopetrol a 48-hour deadline to "cease using cultural symbols or names" of indigenous communities without their consent, including the titles "Uchuva" and “Tayrona.”

He recommended the creation of a supervisory committee – comprising indigenous representatives, public prosecutors and the ombudsman's office – to ensure compliance with the order.

Villalva said the ruling sought "a new history where every voice is heard, and every life is respected, protecting the ancient dialogue between man and the sea."

Uchuva 2 forms part of the Tayrona block, located 31km off Colombia's Atlantic coast. Petrobras has a 44.4% stake in the asset and Ecopetrol holds the balance. 

In August, the joint venture announced a major natural gas discovery during the fourth drilling phase of the well. A large gas find was also made at the nearby Uchuva 1 well in 2022. 

The companies did not immediately comment on the ruling.