Tenaris has started operations of a third hydraulic fracturing set in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale play, following a $110 million investment in the equipment. The set began work in Los Toldos II East, a field operated by Tecpetrol, where it will provide fracturing services for the next 18 months.
Andrea Previtali, president of Tenaris for the Southern Cone, said the company has invested more than $240 million in its Argentine oilfield services business since it acquired its first hydraulic fracturing and coiled tubing equipment in 2020, and has completed more than 8,700 hydraulic fracturing jobs in the basin. "Tenaris is positioned as the third largest service provider in Vaca Muerta," Previtali said.
The new set carries 28 pumps built with Dynamic Gas Blending technology, which burns compressed natural gas instead of diesel to power the equipment. Tenaris says the technology cuts diesel consumption by more than 80% and lowers carbon emissions for its clients.
Tenaris backs its Vaca Muerta fracturing work with a 25-hectare service center in Vista Alegre, between Añelo and Neuquén City, which the company says supports service delivery across the Neuquén Basin. Vaca Muerta, one of the world's largest shale oil and gas reservoirs, currently has 15 hydraulic fracturing sets working for the basin's operators. Tenaris says the addition of its third set consolidates its position as one of the basin's top three providers of the service.
Key figures
- $110 million: investment in the third fracturing set
- $240 million: total invested in Tenaris's Argentine oilfield services business since 2020
- 8,700+: hydraulic fracturing jobs completed by Tenaris in the basin
- 28: pumps on the new fracturing set
- 80%+: diesel consumption cut from Dynamic Gas Blending technology
- 18 months: length of the Los Toldos II East contract
- 15: total hydraulic fracturing sets currently working in Vaca Muerta
