Trafigura completes first crude export via new Derivación pipeline

Trafigura reported the completion of its inaugural crude oil export utilizing the recently commissioned Derivación pipeline in Argentina. Between 26th and 30th December 2025, the tanker VS Pride took on 71,000 cubic metres of crude oil sourced from the Neuquén Basin. The vessel, which measures 228 metres in length, was loaded at Dock No. 3 in Puerto Galván. The shipment was subsequently bound for the United States, marking a significant milestone for the firm's logistical operations in the region. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Puerto Rosales consortium to enhance overall export efficiency.

The Derivación pipeline represents a strategic infrastructure investment developed by Trafigura in partnership with Oldelval. Measuring 11 kilometres in length with a 14-inch diameter, the asset facilitates a direct connection between the main Oldelval pipeline system and the Bahía Blanca Refinery. This integration is designed to reduce operational constraints and improve the capacity of the refinery's logistics system. The project, which was inaugurated in early November 2025, required a total capital investment exceeding USD$30 million and was completed in accordance with established quality, safety, and environmental standards.

By linking the Neuquén Basin production directly to the international market via Puerto Galván, the infrastructure project aims to scale up the region's export profile. Trafigura noted that the pipeline serves as a critical channel for the national crude oil transport network, providing greater operational flexibility. This development is intended to optimise the capacity of the Bahía Blanca Refinery and streamline the movement of commodities from production sites to global destinations. The successful loading of the VS Pride demonstrates the practical application of this new logistical synergy in supporting higher export volumes.

The implementation of this pipeline infrastructure is part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency of supply chains for energy resources. By alleviating previous operational restrictions, the new connection allows for more consistent and reliable export capabilities from the Neuquén Basin. The collaboration between Trafigura and Oldelval underscores the importance of transport infrastructure in facilitating the movement of oil to international markets. This investment reflects the company's ongoing strategy to deploy logistics networks that connect vital resources from their points of production to the locations where they are required.

Trafigura continues to manage a diverse portfolio of industrial assets and logistics businesses globally. The company, which operates in over 150 countries, focuses on connecting resources through its worldwide network. The recent inauguration of the Derivación pipeline serves to strengthen the firm's position as a strategic logistics provider for oil originating from the Vaca Muerta region. As the industry looks to improve supply chain sustainability and efficiency, such investments in transport infrastructure remain a core component of the company's operational approach to moving petroleum products to global markets.