DOF Group Awarded Significant Argentina Offshore Project
Norwegian vessel owner DOF Group has announced the securing of a substantial contract for an offshore project in Argentina. The contract, defined by DOF as being valued between $25 million and $50 million, involves the deployment of two vessels for a combined duration exceeding 250 days. Preparations for the project are currently underway, with offshore operations scheduled across two campaigns in the second quarter and the third and fourth quarters of 2026.
Project Scope and Vessels Deployed
The comprehensive scope of work for the project includes several key activities aimed at enhancing offshore infrastructure. These involve:
- Mooring pre-lay
- Pipeline end manifold installation and construction management
- Tie-in spools installation
- Hook-up and pre-commissioning of two CALM buoys
- Diving services
To execute these operations, DOF Group will utilize two of its vessels: the 2006-built AHTS Skandi Hera and the 2000-built CSV Skandi Patagonia. The project management, engineering, construction management, logistics, and offshore execution will be led by DOF's North America subsea region.
Boosting Vaca Muerta Export Capacity
This offshore initiative is directly linked to the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS) development in Argentina. The primary objective is the installation of two CALM buoys off Punta Colorada, near Sierra Grande. These buoys are crucial for boosting crude export capacity from the significant Vaca Muerta shale formation. The system is designed to allow large oil tankers to load crude directly offshore, thereby easing logistical bottlenecks and supporting the increasing shale oil production from Vaca Muerta. Previous seabed studies for this project were conducted in 2025 by the vessel Fugro Resilience.
Strategic Importance
The contract underscores DOF Group's continued involvement in major offshore energy projects and highlights the strategic importance of Argentina's Vaca Muerta region for crude oil exports. The deployment of specialized vessels and expertise aims to facilitate efficient and expanded transportation of hydrocarbons from one of the world's largest shale reserves.
5 Comments
Africa
It's positive to see investment in infrastructure that can boost a nation's economy, but relying heavily on shale oil exports might not be the most sustainable path for future energy security.
Bermudez
Vaca Muerta shale is a destructive process. We should be moving away from this.
Coccinella
Another fossil fuel project. When will we learn about climate change?
ZmeeLove
More oil exports mean more pollution. This isn't progress, it's regression.
Habibi
The creation of jobs and development in the Vaca Muerta region is undoubtedly a benefit, yet the potential ecological impact on marine life from offshore operations needs rigorous and transparent mitigation strategies.