Techint E&C has been awarded the contract to build a 209-kilometer oil pipeline for Oleoductos del Valle (Oldelval) across the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro. The project will expand the transport system’s capacity from 20,400 to 55,400 cubic meters per day (m³/d).

Known as Duplicar Norte, the project includes the construction of a 24-inch-diameter pipeline linking the Auca Mahuida pumping station in Neuquén to the Allen station in Río Negro. From there, it will be integrated into Oldelval’s trunk system and connected to the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS) network. The objective is to consolidate robust infrastructure that maximizes the evacuation and export of domestic crude oil.

The scope of the project includes 150 special crossings, four fixed trap installations, two facilities with mobile traps, and 13 valve stations, including line break valves (LBVs) and emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs). At peak activity, the project is expected to employ around 850 people, including 700 direct and 150 indirect workers.

In its first stage, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the pipeline will enable the transport of up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Capacity will then be progressively expanded to 300,000 barrels per day, before reaching a final throughput of 500,000 barrels per day with full commissioning planned for the first quarter of 2027. The project is positioned as an early solution to ease potential bottlenecks in evacuating production.

Initial activities, planned for December, will focus on logistics and site preparation, including pipe stockpiling and the assembly of workshops.

“Duplicar Norte is a challenge that brings together engineering, planning and commitment, but above all, it’s a team effort driven by a shared purpose,” said Mariano Rebollo, Oil & Gas Business Project Manager. “After last week’s kick-off meeting, we are moving into this new phase with cutting-edge technology focused on safety and powered by the same passion we bring to every project.”

He added that, “We are proud to once again earn Oldelval’s trust in delivering a project of such strategic importance.”

Duplicar Norte is the natural continuation of the broader Duplicar+ megaproject. As part of that initiative, the Techint–Sacde joint venture executed Module 2 of Duplicar, a 254-kilometer section comprising 199 kilometers of 24-inch pipeline and 55 kilometers of 30-inch pipeline. The works were completed in December 2024, ahead of the contractual deadline, reflecting the coordination and commitment of the teams involved.

With the launch of Duplicar Norte, Techint E&C reinforces its role in Argentina’s energy development, bringing technical capability, extensive experience in large-scale pipeline projects and a collaborative approach alongside Oleoductos del Valle (Oldelval) and other regional operators.