Jumbo Offshore has finished its transport and offshore installation scope for the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS) project in Argentina. The campaign supports the development of a major new oil export terminal near Punta Colorada, which will be connected to Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation by a 437 km pipeline.
Contracted by Altius S.A., Jumbo deployed its DP2 heavy-lift vessel Jumbo Javelin to transport two CALM buoys weighing approximately 340 tonnes each and two pipeline end manifolds (PLEMs) weighing up to 232 tonnes. The project was secured with the local support from the JSI Alliance.
Ship-to-ship heavy-lift operation
The campaign began in Muscat, Oman, where the cargo was lifted on board by the Jumbo Javelin in a double-banking, ship-to-ship heavy-lift operation. Following loading and sea-fastening, the vessel sailed to Argentina via the Cape of Good Hope.
Upon arrival in Argentina, Jumbo carried out the offshore installation of both PLEMs at approximately 40 metres water depth using the vessel’s DP capabilities, alongside the discharge of both CALM buoys.
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VMOS marine terminal
The VMOS marine terminal, located approximately 5 to 8 km offshore Punta Colorada, will facilitate the export of oil from Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation to very large crude carriers (VLCCs). The project is designed for an initial capacity of up to 550,000 barrels per day, with the potential to increase to 700,000 barrels per day.
With Jumbo’s scope now successfully completed, work continues on the wider VMOS development ahead of the terminal’s future start-up and first oil exports.
Picture (top): Jumbo Javelin during offshore operations (all photos Jumbo).
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