Just as Continental Resources of Oklahoma City recently announced drilling projects in Argentina, Baker Hughes Company is also doing business with the South American country. And in the same rich oil play region.
The Texas-based energy technology firm announced it has secured a strategic order from San Matias Pipeline S.A. to supply three gas compression units for a major natural gas pipeline project in Argentina.
The order consists of three NovaLT™16 gas turbines equipped with three centrifugal compressors, along with commissioning services, spare parts, special tools, and remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. This equipment will be installed at a gas compressor station near Allen, Río Negro, to support the transportation of natural gas from the Vaca Muerta formation to the Gulf of San Matias through a dedicated pipeline, providing feed gas to Southern Energy’s two floating LNG vessels.
“This award underscores our continued focus on supporting critical gas infrastructure that enables secure, reliable and lower-emission energy systems as we expand our presence in strategic growth markets across Latin America,” said Baker Hughes Chief Growth & Experience Officer and interim Executive Vice President of Industrial & Energy Technology Maria Claudia Borras. “Natural gas plays a strategic role in strengthening energy security and enabling scalable pathways to global LNG markets, particularly in regions with significant resource potential such as Argentina.”
The project also marks the first utilization of Baker Hughes’ NovaLT™ gas turbine technology in South America, reflecting growing demand for high-efficiency, lower-emissions turbomachinery with competitive delivery timelines. The NovaLT™16 platform was selected for its performance, efficiency, delivery advantages, and suitability for midstream gas compression applications supporting LNG value chains.
The Vaca Muerta formation is the same formation where Continental Resources plans oil and gas exploration, as founder Harold Hamm announced in February. The company calls the Vaca Muerta formation “one of the most compelling shale plays in the world.”
Continental signed an Assets Sale and Purchase Agreement with Pan American Energy in January in which it acquired certain non-operating interests in four blocks located in the shale play located in Argentina’s Neuquen Basin. The signing came just two months after Hamm visited the country and met with President Javier Milei.
“Vaca Muerta is one of the most compelling shale plays in the world, and we’re thrilled to continue to invest in Argentina and build Continental’s position through this agreement with Pan American Energy,” said CEO Doug Lawler. “PAE is a highly capable operator with deep basin experience. We’re eager to learn from PAE and share Continental’s unconventional expertise to advance the Vaca Muerta.”