With a 207-kilometer pipeline, Techint E&C is advancing a strategic project for Oldelval that will expand crude oil transportation capacity from Vaca Muerta and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support the continued growth of Argentina's oil production and energy exports.

The sustained growth of Vaca Muerta requires infrastructure capable of supporting increasing oil production while ensuring reliable transportation to domestic and international markets. In this context, Techint E&C is executing the Duplicar Norte pipeline under an EPC contract, a strategic project that will expand the system's transportation capacity from 20,400 to 55,400 m³ per day, consolidating a key corridor for the transportation and export of Argentine crude oil.

The project includes the construction of a 207-kilometer, 24-inch-diameter pipeline connecting the Auca Mahuida Pump Station, in Neuquén Province, to the Allen Pump Station, in Río Negro Province. There, it will integrate with both Oldelval's trunk pipeline system and the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS) pipeline, strengthening the infrastructure that will support the next phase of Vaca Muerta's growth.

"Duplicar Norte is part of a new generation of projects supporting the continued growth of Vaca Muerta. Together with VMOS and Los Toldos II Este, it demonstrates how engineering and infrastructure are essential to transforming the Neuquén Basin's production potential into tangible transportation, processing, and export capacity. These are precisely the types of challenges where Techint E&C brings its expertise," said Alejo Calcagno, President – South Region – Energy, Steel & Infrastructure.

During its first stage, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the pipeline will transport 220,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Capacity will subsequently increase to 300,000 barrels per day, ultimately reaching 500,000 barrels per day upon final commissioning, scheduled for March 2027, helping anticipate future transportation bottlenecks within the crude oil evacuation system.

While work continues on special crossings, trenching, pipe bending, welding, coating, lowering-in, and backfilling activities, the double joint plant has completed production and was demobilized ahead of schedule, marking one of the project's first major milestones.

"The complexity of this project lies not only in constructing more than 200 kilometers of pipeline, but also in coordinating multiple construction fronts advancing simultaneously along the entire route to meet a highly demanding schedule," said Martín Casalla, Duplicar Norte Project Manager.

The project has already completed nearly 114 of the approximately 160 planned special crossings, including the crossing beneath National Route 151 using a tunnel boring machine (TBM), one of the project's most significant engineering milestones.

At the same time, semi-automatic welding continues to progress along the entire pipeline route, with the goal of completing approximately 17,500 welded joints. Activities have also begun at the prefabrication workshop, where components for valves and above-ground facilities are being manufactured, while earthworks associated with this phase continue to advance.

At peak construction, the project will employ approximately 850 people, including both direct and indirect personnel.

Duplicar Norte builds on the success of the Duplicar+ megaproject, delivered by the Techint–Sacde Joint Venture ahead of the contractual schedule.

Through projects such as Duplicar Norte, Techint E&C continues to develop the infrastructure that will support the next stage of Vaca Muerta's growth while strengthening Argentina's position as a key energy supplier in international markets.

Learn more about the Duplicar Norte project (link)

Client: Oleoductos del Valle (Oldelval)
Industry: Oil & Gas
Location: Neuquén and Río Negro Provinces, Argentina
Scope: Construction of a 207 km, 24-inch-diameter pipeline
System capacity: From 20,400 to 55,400 m³/day
Transportation capacity: 220,000 barrels per day during the first stage, increasing to 500,000 barrels per day upon final commissioning
Integration: Oldelval trunk pipeline system and Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS)
Special crossings: 150
Peak workforce: 850 people
Stage 1 start-up: End of 2026
Final commissioning: March 2027