Energy, sustainability, communities and people: the four pillars of a growing operation that’s celebrating a new anniversary.

Today marks an exciting milestone for Tecpetrol: 15 years of operations in Colombia. But it’s not just the longevity we’re celebrating. This anniversary is a testament to the shared efforts and dedication that turned an ambitious vision into thriving reality.

The achievements speak for themselves. Over the years, the company has notched up some impressive numbers: 16.3 million barrels of oil produced in total, 105 wells drilled with 153,000 feet of horizontal branch, a team that is now 730-strong, including both staff and contractors. Current production averages 10,950 barrels per day (bpd), with peaks hitting 14,180 bpd. Yet behind these numbers lies something even more crucial: our people. As José Feretti, Country Director, puts it: “Over these 15 years, we’ve grown from a concept that needed validation to a consolidated project with a firm foothold in the present. Our talented team, their commitment, professionalism and unstinting support have been crucial to making this happen.”

Fabiola Guzmán, Administration & Finance Manager, has been here from the beginning: “I remember there being six of us, and I was the only woman. We had no offices, and there was just that one network cable.” Back then, the challenges went beyond infrastructure. Javier Barrera, the Safety Manager, explains that, “To begin with, our field offices were in a hotel in Puerto Gaitán. Operating in such a large and remote area was no small task. The teamwork and dedication over the years have been extraordinary.” And what about the human part? Diego Armando García, Field Personnel Administration Lead Analyst, shares a personal perspective: “What struck me most was that the company didn’t just care about its employees’ well-being—it extended that care to their families too.”

One defining moment in the company’s 15-year journey in Colombia was the December 2021 inauguration of the Central Processing Facility (CPF) at the Pendare Field. With a current production capacity of 130,000 barrels per day (bpd), this milestone represents the culmination of countless hours of effort by the team. For Guillermo Rubio, Production Manager, who has been with the company for 13 years, the CPF's start-up was as challenging as it was transformative. “It was a highly complex operation—something entirely new for most of us. We faced many technical challenges, but the team pulled together to make it happen,” he recalls. Franklin Garzón, Production Lead Supervisor, with 12 years of experience, reflects on those early days. “The first well we drilled and brought into production was a real challenge because it was a heavy oil operation. Those were our first steps, and they weren’t easy.” Meanwhile Franklin Alfonso Torres, Facilities Lead Supervisor, underscores the CPF’s broader significance. “The CPF was essential to ensure our facilities could handle the field’s growth and production.

The company also has a rich backstory of environmental stewardship and social investment. Over 350 hectares of compensation, 342,000 trees planted, and eight environmental licenses reflect a deep commitment to sustainability. Tania Sandoval, Environmental Lead Analyst with six years at Tecpetrol, makes sense of the numbers: “We’ve implemented extensive environmental compensation plans, biotic compensation, and 1% investment programs. These are designed to offset the impacts our projects have had. Beyond that, we’re actively involved in a range of regional environmental initiatives.”

Equally noteworthy is Tecpetrol’s relationship with its local communities, a solid network built through a social investment of USD 4.6 million and 11 prior consultation processes across six indigenous reservations. Catalina Echeverri, CORE Manager, who joined during the operation’s first year, highlights the progress: “We’ve significantly improved trust with the communities, making it easier for them to voice concerns and work with us to address their needs.” Gloria Montes, a member of the Association of Women of Cuernavaca (ASMUC), reflects on the impact: “We started washing clothes by hand, and little by little Tecpetrol got involved in what we were doing. They provided work opportunities for women who previously couldn’t earn an income, allowing them to do so from their homes. Tecpetrol has been our guardian angel.”

Over the past 15 years, the company has invested an impressive USD 476 million in its Colombian operations—a figure that speaks to its ambition and commitment. Yet for CEO Ricardo Markous, the real story lies in the people who made it happen. “I am incredibly proud of the people of Colombia for these 15 years of professionalism and dedication,” he says. “But this is not the end—there are still many opportunities ahead. I also want to thank the field teams, who keep operations running daily, often under challenging conditions.” His message is clear: the journey isn’t over. “I ask everyone to continue working with the same passion and commitment to bring us the satisfaction we’ve achieved so far at Tecpetrol,” he adds.