From the Port of La Plata
Camuzzi Gas Inversora, Argentina's biggest natural-gas distributor, announced “LNG DEL PLATA,” a new energy development aimed at positioning the company in the global liquefied natural gas market using natural gas produced in Vaca Muerta, Argentina’s major shale formation.
In a statement, the company said the planned investment will reach $3.9 billion over the next 20 years. It described the initiative as a “dual” project that will allow Argentina to export more than 2.4 million metric tons of LNG per year through a floating liquefaction vessel located at the Port of La Plata in the Buenos Aires province.
That volume is equivalent to output of more than 9 million cubic meters of natural gas per day.
At the same time, the project is designed to reinforce supply to the domestic market during months of higher consumption, helping cover seasonal demand peaks.
Alejandro Macfarlane, president of Camuzzi Gas Inversora, said: “This project is extremely relevant for the country’s development, because it will not only create 500 direct jobs, but throughout the planned 20 years of operation it will contribute more than $14.5 billion in foreign currency from exports, supporting the country’s potential and its strategic role in global energy supply.”
The company said construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with formal operations expected to start in 2028. The initial investment includes building new transport infrastructure to move gas currently delivered in Buchanan to the town of Ensenada in the Buenos Aires province. Plans also include a 10-kilometer underwater pipeline and an offshore platform to moor the liquefaction vessel.
“This project is extremely relevant for the country’s development, because it will not only create 500 direct jobs, but throughout the planned 20 years of operation it will contribute more than $14.5 billion in foreign currency from exports, supporting the country’s potential and its strategic role in global energy supply,” said Alejandro Macfarlane, president of Camuzzi Gas Inversora.
The company added it is in advanced negotiations with a leading international firm specializing in floating LNG operations.
Seasonality and export strategy
According to Camuzzi, between September and May LNG DEL PLATA will enable exports exceeding 9 million cubic meters per day of natural gas produced in Vaca Muerta and transported through existing pipelines that have idle capacity during the summer months. Once at the port, the gas will be liquefied to reduce its volume 600 times, enabling maritime transport before being regasified and consumed as natural gas at its destination.
In the opposite direction, during the winter season LNG DEL PLATA will help strengthen Argentina’s energy matrix by freeing up natural gas to meet higher domestic demand. The company said this dynamic will support system security, optimize energy supply and reduce power generation costs by displacing more expensive liquid fuels.