Argentina hydrocarbons watch: License extension, compression work tender

Argentina extended by one year another offshore hydrocarbons exploration license in the Malvinas Oeste basin held by ExxonMobil Exploration and Production and Qatar Petroleum Oil and Gas.

The license corresponds to block MLO-113. In September, the government said it had extended the license for MLO-118.

Argentina held its first offshore licensing round in more than 20 years in 2019. Eighteen blocks were awarded to 13 companies. 

Local officials have previously indicated that associated exploration work may get underway at Argentina Norte basin areas CAN-100, CAN-108 and CAN-114 by around the turn of the year. A court injunction, sought by opponents concerned about the potential environmental impact of the planned work, was granted and would need lifting.

In 2021 the government authorized Shell's local unit to join state-owned oil and gas company YPF and Equinor to explore area CAN-100. YPF and Equinor are partners at CAN-114, while Equinor has a 100% interest in CAN-108. 

Argentine state energy company Energía Argentina has amended bidding rules in a tender linked to the Vaca Muerta gas pipeline megaproject.

The tender – involving two lots and launched in September – concerns the planned Tratayén and Salliqueló compression stations.

Officials are seeking bidders for compression station engineering, equipment/materials provision and construction work.

In a circular, Energía Argentina extended handover dates and amended estimated budgets.

Read the circular