State-owned Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF) has started construction of the first 130 km of the planned 600-km Vaca Muerta Sur oil pipeline in Argentina (OGJ Online, Feb. 12, 2024).
Phase one of the pipeline project will extend between Añelo, in Neuquén, and Allen, in Río Negro, where it will connect with the Oldelval system, Argentina's largest oil pipeline network. The project aims to strengthen the oil transportation system in the Neuquén basin, maximizing transport capacity towards refineries and the port of Bahía Blanca.
Construction on the first pipeline segment began in the Loma Campana area, operated by YPF in partnership with Chevron. Once completed, pipeline operations will be managed by a new consortium, similar to the Oldelval system.
At maximum operational capacity, the pipeline will allow for transport of 390,000 b/d, increasing the oil evacuation capacity of the Neuquén basin by 70% and doubling the current capacity of the Vaca Muerta area.
Phase two of the pipeline project—including the export terminal in the Punta Colorada area, near Sierra Grande, Río Negro province—is currently under development. Once completed, Vaca Muerta Sur will allow the export of 135 million bbl/year, making Argentina one of the main exporters in the region.
The project includes construction of the largest tank farm in Argentina and two floating monobuoys sited 6 km offshore.