Ecopetrol, Shell team up in three blocks in Colombian Caribbean

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's Ecopetrol <ECO.CN> and Anglo-Dutch energy giant Royal Dutch Shell <RDSa.L> have teamed up to develop three blocks in the Caribbean, the state-owned oil company said on Friday.

Under the deal, Shell will acquire a 50% operating-stake in the Fuerte Sur, Purple Angel and COL-5 blocks, which are found in deep-water areas of the Colombian Caribbean.

Oil companies are expected to spend between $920 million and $1 billion on exploration efforts in Colombia this year, according to the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP).

Around $250 million to $260 million will go to offshore projects.

Ecopetrol Chief Executive Felipe Bayon said Shell's deep-water experience will prove useful in verifying the production capacity of the reservoirs and their potential for future development.

"We are very happy with this alliance, which will help use to grow reserves and production," Bayon said in a statement.

The blocks cover a recent gas discovery and the two companies intend to drill a new appraisal well near the end of 2021, Ecopetrol said. No value for the deal was given.

"This is a significant step for Shell in Colombia and South America," said Ana Maria Duque, the company's chair in the Andean country.

(Reporting by Oliver Griffin; Editing by David Gregorio)