Trafigura and Oldelval inaugurated the new pipeline connecting to the Bahía Blanca Refinery
The project strengthens the reliability of Argentina’s crude oil transportation system and adds a new export route to the Atlantic for Vaca Muerta production.
Bahía Blanca, 7 November 2025 - Oleoductos del Valle (Oldelval) and Trafigura inaugurated on Tuesday, November 4, the new pipeline connection to the Bahía Blanca Refinery - a strategic project for the country’s crude oil transportation system that enhances operational flexibility and export capacity from the Neuquén Basin.
The new 14-inch-diameter, 11-kilometer-long pipeline connects Oldelval’s main Allen-Puerto Rosales system with Trafigura’s refinery in Bahía Blanca. The project required an investment of over 30 million dollars and was executed under the highest quality, safety, and environmental standards.
The inauguration ceremony took place at Oldelval’s Autonomous Measurement Unit (UAM), with Trafigura represented by Gerardo Zmijak, Commercial Director; Cecilia Díaz de Souza, Business Structuring and Project Manager; and Paulo Carozzi, Refinery Project and Management Manager. Representing Oldelval were Ricardo Hosel, CEO; Federico Zárate, Project Manager; and Mauro Cabrera, Construction Manager. Also in attendance were Santiago Mandolesi Burgos, President of the Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium, and Gustavo Lari, Secretary of Production, representing the local municipality.
During the event, Oldelval’s CEO, Ricardo Hosel, highlighted that “this project began taking shape in 2020 and today becomes a reality thanks to commitment, planning, and joint work between the private sector and the State.” He also emphasized that the initiative “reinforces our commitment to an integrated, competitive, and efficient basin for crude evacuation to the Atlantic.”
For his part, Gerardo Zmijak underscored the importance of this project in increasing the refinery’s reliability and creating a new route for crude evacuation from Vaca Muerta through the Port of Bahía Blanca. He also praised the efforts of all workers and contractors for their resilience in the face of the challenges posed by the flooding on March 7.
With this new infrastructure, Oldelval and Trafigura strengthen their strategic alliance and contribute to the development of Argentina’s energy system, driving industrial and logistical growth in Bahía Blanca and across the region.
Paulo Carozzi (Management and Projects Manager – Trafigura), Gustavo Lari (Secretary of Production, Municipality of Bahía Blanca), Santiago Maldonesi Burgos (President, Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium), Federico Zárate (Projects Manager – OLDELVAL), Ricardo Hosel (CEO – OLDELVAL), Cecilia Díaz de Souza (Business Structuring and Project Manager – Trafigura), Mauro Cabrera (Construction Manager – OLDELVAL), Gerardo Zmijak (Commercial Director – Trafigura), Juan Francisco Linares (General Manager, Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium)
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Trafigura’s Press Office: +41 (0) 22 592 4528 or media@trafigura.com
About Oldelval
Oleoductos del Valle S.A. (Oldelval) is Argentina’s leading midstream oil company. Its activities involve the comprehensive management, development, operation, and maintenance of more than 1,700 kilometers of pipelines, forming a unique and integrated network that crosses four provinces. The system runs from Rincón de los Sauces and Plaza Huincul in Neuquén Province, through Río Negro and La Pampa, and extends to Puerto Rosales in Buenos Aires Province.
About Trafigura
Trafigura is a leading commodities group, owned by its employees and founded over 30 years ago. At the heart of global supply, Trafigura connects vital resources to power and build the world. We deploy infrastructure, market expertise and our worldwide logistics network to move oil and petroleum products, metals and minerals, gas and power from where they are produced to where they are needed, forming strong relationships that make supply chains more efficient, secure and sustainable. We invest in renewable energy projects and technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including through MorGen Energy and joint venture Nala Renewables.
The Trafigura Group also comprises industrial assets and operating businesses including multi-metals producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, the Impala Terminals joint venture and Greenergy, supplier and distributor of transportation fuels and biofuels. The Group employs over 13,000 people, of which over 1,400 are shareholders and is active in over 150 countries.
Visit: www.trafigura.com