Río Negro agreed with Oldelval on Duplicar Norte pipeline development

Río Negro Governor Alberto Weretilneck signed an agreement with Oldelval in Cipolletti to move forward with Duplicar Norte, a new pipeline designed to expand crude transport from Vaca Muerta. The understanding will be submitted shortly to the provincial Legislature for consideration.

The total pipeline will span approximately 207 kilometers with a 24-inch diameter. About 146 kilometers will extend within Río Negro, between the Crucero Catriel and Allen pump stations, while the system will begin in Auca Mahuida, Neuquén.

According to progress reported in August, the project reached 50% overall completion and already surpassed 80% of the planned special crossings. Among them is the underground crossing of National Route 151, considered one of the main technical challenges of the route.

The first phase is scheduled to begin operations by late 2026, with a capacity of 220,000 barrels per day. During 2027, the transported volume would increase progressively to reach 500,000 barrels per day.

At Allen, Duplicar Norte will connect with Oldelval's network and allow part of the crude to be diverted to the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS) pipeline. The infrastructure also aims to facilitate production evacuation from unconventional projects in exploration or pilot stage within Vaca Muerta in Río Negro territory.

The provincial government noted that construction has already boosted employment, service contracting, and economic activity in northwestern Río Negro. Weretilneck stated that the province seeks to consolidate its participation in the infrastructure necessary to transport hydrocarbons to the Atlantic coast and external markets.

Information from Energía Online.