In a significant development for global energy markets, Argentina has initiated a new oil export operation from Puerto Galván, Bahía Blanca, to the United States. This operation, facilitated by Trafigura, aims to enhance the export capabilities of the Vaca Muerta shale formation, providing an additional point of export for producers.
The logistics of this operation involved over 2,000 truck trips from various fields in the Neuquén province to the modern unloading facility at the Bahía Blanca refinery, which is directly connected to Puerto Galván. The successful loading of the Aframax vessel 'Safeen Strength' marked a key milestone in this initiative, with nearly 150,000 cubic meters of crude oil shipped since July 2023.
Trafigura's efforts are set to continue, with an anticipated export of 95,000 cubic meters planned for October and expectations of increasing volumes in the coming months. Additionally, the company is collaborating with Oldelval on the 'Derivación Project' to upgrade the pipeline infrastructure, enhancing the refinery's capacity to receive up to 24,000 cubic meters of crude oil daily.
This operation underscores Argentina's growing role in the global oil market and its potential to meet rising international demand.