Trans-Andean Oil Pipeline

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The Trans-Andean Oil Pipeline, also known locally by its Spanish initials OTASA, or by its full Spanish name Oleoducto Trasandino Estenssoro-Pedrals or Oleoducto Trasandino, is an oil pipeline in Argentina and Chile.

Location

The pipeline runs from Puesto Hernández in the oil fields of Argentina's Neuquén basin to Enap's Bío Bío refinery in Concepcion Port, Chile.

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Project details

• Operator: Oleoducto Transandino SA (OTASA)
• Owner: Empresa Nacional del Petroleo (ENAP) [36.25%], YPF [36%], Unocal Argentina Ltda [27.75%]
• Parent company: Empresa Nacional del Petroleo (ENAP) [36.25%], YPF [36%], Chevron* [27.75%]
• Current capacity: 115,000 barrels per day
• Length: 425 km
• Diameter: 16 inches
• Oil source: Neuquen basin, Argentina
• Status: Operating
• Start year: 1994 (re-started in 2023)
• Cost: US$220 million

*Chevron owns a percent in the pipeline via its subsidiary Unocal Argentina.

Background

The Trans-Andean Oil Pipeline runs approximately 425 km (264 miles) through the Andes Mountains from Puesto Hernández in Argentina's Neuquen basin to the Bío Bío refinery in Talcahuano, near Concepcion, Chile. The 16-inch pipeline possesses a capacity to transport 107,000 bpd and traverses rugged mountain terrain and high elevation. The pipeline cost $220 million and took two and a half years to build, supplying Chile's oil demand with the rest being shipped to pacific-rim markets. In October 2000 the pipeline's capacity was reported to be 115,000 bpd.

In January 2006, upon expiration of its contract with Chevron, the Argentine government stopped oil shipments to Chile through the Trans-Andean Oil Pipeline, citing the unsustainability of keeping the pipeline operating at less than 5000 cubic meters (31,450 barrels) per day.

In 2019, the Argentine and Chilean governments announced plans to revitalize the pipeline for renewed export of oil to Chile, due to expanding production at the Vaca Muerta shale fields. As of February 2020, Chile had completed preparations to reopen the pipeline on its side of the border, but operations remained stalled on the Argentine side, due to lack of funding and challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

As of November 2021, plans were in place for the pipeline to start operating in the first quarter of 2022. However, subsequent reports in July 2022, January 2023 and February 2023 estimated that the pipeline would return to service sometime later in 2023. As of February 2023, based on recent inspections, the Argentine section of pipeline appeared to be in good shape, but work on the Chilean section was reportedly still experiencing delays.

In May 2023, the pipeline began a 45-day trial period of operations, after being inactive for 17 years. During this period, YPF and the Chilean National Oil Company agreed that 41,000 barrels of oil per day were to be sent from the Vaca Muerta Oil field to Chile through the Trans-Andean Pipeline. As of 31 December 2023, after a successful trial period, the pipeline continued to be operational, delivering a consistent amount of oil to Argentina's neighboring country.

Ownership

As of March 2023, the pipeline was jointly owned by Chile's state owned energy company ENAP (36.25%), Argentine energy company YPF (36%) and Unocal Argentina (27.75%). Previously, the pipeline was owned by a consortium made up by ENAP (46%), Alberta Energy Co. (36%) and Repsol-Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales (18%).