Argentina's Trafigura has successfully completed an operation to export crude oil from the Vaca Muerta shale formation to the United States, marking a significant development in the country's energy sector. This operation, conducted in September 2024 from Posta 3 in Puerto Galván, Bahia Blanca, involved over 2,000 truck trips connecting various production sites in Neuquén province to the Bahia Blanca refinery.
The shipment, which loaded the Aframax tanker 'Safeen Strength' with nearly 150,000 cubic meters of crude oil, is part of a broader strategy to enhance Argentina's export capabilities. Following previous exports of 30,000 cubic meters in July and 46,000 cubic meters in August, Trafigura is poised to ship an additional 95,000 cubic meters in October, with expectations for continued volume increases in the coming months.
In conjunction with this operation, Trafigura is collaborating with Oldelval on the 'Derivation Project' to upgrade the pipeline system from Allen to Puerto Rosales, which will enhance the refinery's capacity to receive up to 24,000 cubic meters of crude oil daily. This expansion is crucial as global demand for energy resources continues to rise.
The implications of this development extend beyond Argentina, as it positions the country as a more significant player in the global oil market, potentially influencing energy prices and supply chains worldwide.