Jumbo Offshore has announced the successful completion of 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.

Ship-to-ship

Contracted by Altius S.A., Jumbo deployed its DP2 heavy-lift vessel Jumbo Javelin to transport two CALM buoys weighing approximately 340 t each and two Pipeline End Manifolds (PLEMs) weighing up to 232 t. The project was secured with the local support from the JSI Alliance.

The campaign began in Muscat, Oman, where the cargo was lifted onboard by the Jumbo Javelin in a double-banking, ship-to-ship heavy-lift operation. Following loading and seafastening, the vessel sailed to Argentina via the Cape of Good Hope.

Successful discharge
Upon arrival in Argentina, Jumbo carried out the offshore installation of both PLEMs at approximately 40 m water depth using the vessel’s DP capabilities, alongside the successful discharge of both CALM buoys.

The VMOS marine terminal, located approximately 5–8 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.

Team effort
Freek Muurling, Project Manager at Jumbo Offshore, commented, “This project demonstrates Jumbo Offshore’s integrated heavy-lift transport and offshore installation capabilities, supporting the development of important energy infrastructure around the world. I’m proud of what our team has accomplished throughout this challenging campaign. From the ship-to-ship loading operation in Muscat and the safe transport of the CALM buoys and PLEMs, to the successful offshore installation of both PLEMs and discharge of the buoys in Argentina, it has been a tremendous team effort. My thanks go to everyone involved, both onboard and ashore, and to our project partners for their flexibility, support and cooperation throughout the campaign.”

VMOS commented, “Throughout this demanding journey, across long distances and challenging hurdles, Jumbo lived up to its name, showing resilience, teamwork, improvisational skills, good communications and a clear sense of our common goal. Well done!”

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.