Midstream development
Techint E&C has been awarded the contract to execute the Duplicar Norte project for Oleoductos del Valle (Oldelval).
The project involves a 209-kilometer pipeline crossing the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro. The work will expand the system’s transport capacity from 20,400 cubic meters per day to 55,400 cubic meters per day.
Mariano Rebollo, oil and gas business project manager at Techint E&C, said: “Duplicar Norte is a challenge that combines engineering, planning and commitment, but above all the work of a team that shares a common goal. Last week we held the kickoff meeting and we are now ready to move forward into this new phase, with state-of-the-art technology, a strong focus on safety and the same passion that drives us in every project. We once again thank Oldelval for trusting us with this strategic project.”
Duplicar Norte is the natural continuation of the Duplicar+ megaproject. The Techint–Sacde joint venture executed Module 2 of Duplicar, a 254-kilometer stretch that included 199 kilometers of 24-inch pipe and 55 kilometers of 30-inch pipe. The works were completed in December 2024, ahead of the contractual deadline, thanks to the commitment and coordination of all teams.
Project roadmap
The Duplicar Norte pipeline will have a 24-inch diameter and will connect the Auca Mahuida pumping station in Neuquén with the Allen station in Río Negro. From there, it will integrate into Oldelval’s main trunk system as well as the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS) system, a key export-oriented pipeline project linked to Argentina’s main shale basin.
The goal of the project is to consolidate a robust infrastructure that maximizes the evacuation and export of domestic crude production.
The project scope includes 150 special crossings, four fixed pig trap installations, two facilities with mobile pig traps and 13 valve stations, including line break valves (LBVs) and emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs). At peak construction, the workforce is expected to reach about 850 people, with 700 direct and 150 indirect jobs.
The pipeline will be able to transport 220,000 barrels per day in its first phase, scheduled for late 2026.
Capacity will then be expanded to 300,000 barrels per day, ultimately reaching 500,000 barrels per day upon final commissioning, planned for the first quarter of 2027.
Duplicar Norte is positioned as a forward-looking solution to prevent bottlenecks in evacuating rising oil production.
Initial activities will focus on logistics and preparatory work, including pipe stockpiling and the setup of construction camps.
