The exploratory well, named as Warrior, is operated by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and is located in the Green Canyon area in the Gulf of Mexico.

Ecopetrol through its US subsidiary Ecopetrol America has a 20% stake in the recently drilled Warrior exploratory well.

Ecopetrol CEO Juan Carlos Echeverry said: "We are pleased to end this year with such an important discovery, which contributes to our main goal of increasing reserves.

"This achievement evidences Ecopetrol's ability to strengthen its presence in one of the most prospective areas in the world as is the Gulf of Mexico.”

Drilling of the exploratory well had reached a total depth of 26,957ft (8.216m) inside water depth of 4,144ft (1.263m).

The hydrocarbon discovery is part of the petroleum company’s new exploration strategy in the Gulf of Mexico. The strategy features exploration of resources around existing infrastructure.

It is likely to be tied back to the Anadarko operated Marco Polo production plant located near the Warrior exploratory well.

The hydrocarbon discovery in Warrior is Ecopetrol’s fifth discovery in the US after its 2014 discoveries of Rydberg and León which was preceded by the 2012 discovery of Dalmatian South and Parmer.

Ecopetrol America claims to have increased its average production in the Gulf of Mexico by more than 10 thousand barrels equivalent oil per day (Boed) during the second half of 2016.

Most of it has come from the 2008-discovered Gunflint Field in which the company has a 31.5% stake.

Image: Anadarko – Gulf of Mexico exploration. Photo: courtesy of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation.