Bahía Grande to Take Part in Geotechnical Surveys for YPF-ENI’s Argentina LNG Project
The company will participate through the BG Warrior vessel, supporting UTEC Geo-Services. Buenos Aires, September 2026. – Bahía Grande, a company specializing in maritime logistics and operations for the energy industry with more than 35 years of experience, will take part in the Argentina LNG project led by YPF/ENI, the largest private investment in Argentina’s history. The project aims to produce natural gas from Vaca Muerta, in Neuquén, liquefy it into Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and export it. In this context, Bahía Grande was selected by UTEC Geo-Services, a company specializing in offshore geotechnical and geophysical surveys, to participate in the project, specifically in the geotechnical survey of the seabed. The work will characterize seabed soils and provide information to support the design of foundation conditions and anchoring systems for the pipelines and other planned infrastructure. Bahía Grande will participate through the BG Warrior, a versatile, high-performance Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel with 136 tonnes of bollard pull, 10,657 HP, DP2 dynamic positioning, a FiFi 1 firefighting system, and oil spill response capabilities. “Energy is driving our country’s development. Against this backdrop, there are enormous opportunities such as this one, where maritime logistics can and must become a solution to the challenges facing the sector,” said Andrés Jacob, CEO of Bahía Grande. In a context of sustained growth in the oil and gas sector, particularly driven by the development of Vaca Muerta and offshore projects on Argentina’s continental shelf, Bahía Grande provides comprehensive, efficient and sustainable solutions, supporting the industry not merely as a service provider, but as a strategic partner throughout the entire operation. Project Fact Sheet Project: ARGENTINA LNG Client: UTEC GEO-SERVICES Vessel: BG WARRIOR Start date: September 26 Scope: Geotechnical survey of the seabed About Bahía Grande Bahía Grande is an Argentine company with a regional presence, specializing in maritime logistics and operations for the energy industry across the Southern Cone. With more than 35 years of experience in the sector, the company has an operational base in Buenos Aires and an active presence along Argentina’s main maritime corridors. Bahía Grande operates a versatile, high-performance fleet comprising offshore vessels with DP2 dynamic positioning, AHTS vessels, tankers and specialized vessels, all equipped to operate under demanding conditions and supported by state-of-the-art technology.
We are extending our project together with Buzca with the Didi-K vessel
Bahía Grande is proud to announce its continued support for the construction of the subsea pipeline leading to the Southern Energy S.A. (SESA) consortium’s floating liquefaction terminal in the Gulf of San Matías, Río Negro province. In this context, we have once again been contracted by the engineering firm Buzca Soluciones de Ingeniería to participate in this project. The work assigned to Bahía Grande includes trenching and anchor positioning for the mooring of the liquefaction vessel *Hilli Episeyo*, which is scheduled to begin operations in Argentina in 2027. Support operations are being carried out using the AHTS tug *Didi K*—owned by our partner @ELS Offshore—a vessel equipped with DP1 dynamic positioning and spill control equipment. The Southern Energy project will be developed in stages. In the first phase, LNG production and export will utilize available capacity within the Argentine gas transport system during periods of lower domestic demand. This stage involves the execution of onshore and subsea interconnection works, compression facilities, and mooring systems designed to supply and operate the *Hilli Episeyo*.In the second phase, a dedicated pipeline from the Neuquén Basin will allow for expanded supply and sustained export production throughout the year. With the addition of a second liquefaction unit, the project aims to reach a combined capacity of nearly 6 million tonnes of LNG per year. This initiative will contribute to the development of national capacity for liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export.Project Details:• Start of operations: August 28, 2026.• Estimated duration: 30 days.• Scope: logistical support for subsea infrastructure construction.• Location: Gulf of San Matías, Río Negro province. Against the backdrop of sustained growth in the Oil & Gas sector—particularly with the advancement of Vaca Muerta—Bahia Grande continues to offer comprehensive, safe, efficient, and sustainable solutions that keep pace with the industry’s evolution.
Celebrating the BG Warrior: A Pillar of Our Fleet
Today, we proudly celebrate the anniversary of the BG Warrior, one of the most emblematic vessels in the Bahía Grande fleet. Built in Norway, this AHTS (Anchor Handling Tug Supply) tugboat has been part of our family since 2017, playing a key role in some of our most demanding maritime operations. Carlos Passarella, one of the vessel’s first captains, led her maiden voyage across the Atlantic. Reflecting on the experience, he shared: “The Warrior is spectacular to sail—she’s always performed exceptionally well. She’s a source of pride for the entire crew and a true companion in our adventures.” Agustín Torre, who has captained the BG Warrior since 2020, added: “She’s a standout in the Argentine merchant marine. Working aboard the Warrior is incredibly motivating. We’ve taken on all kinds of projects, and she’s always been reliable and loyal to us.” Over the years, the BG Warrior has successfully completed a wide range of complex missions, including: On this special day, all of us at Bahía Grande extend our heartfelt congratulations to the BG Warrior’s crew. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and the legacy you continue to build.
Honoring Women in Maritime: Celebrating Their Impact
Today, we join the global maritime community in celebrating the International Day for Women in Maritime. At Bahía Grande, we proudly recognize the dedication, leadership, and transformative contributions of the women who help shape our industry—both at sea and on shore. On this special day, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the women who are part of our team. From crew members navigating challenging waters to professionals on land driving innovation and growth, your commitment, effort, and professionalism are vital to the development of the maritime sector. To mark the occasion, we share a photo of Noelia Lorenzo, 2nd Deck Officer aboard the Normand Commander, representing the strength and excellence of women in our fleet. Happy International Day for Women in Maritime! Thank you for inspiring us every day.
YPF and ENI Strengthen LNG Partnership Ahead of Final Investment Decision
YPF and ENI have taken another decisive step toward the development of the Argentina LNG project, signing a new agreement in Rome that reinforces their strategic alliance and outlines joint collaboration across the entire liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain—from gas production in Vaca Muerta to transportation and liquefaction. The agreement was signed by Horacio Marín, President and CEO of YPF, and Claudio Descalzi, CEO of ENI, during a formal event attended by Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This marks a key milestone in the advancement of one of Argentina’s most ambitious energy initiatives. Building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier on April 14, the new agreement defines the roadmap toward a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in December 2025. The project’s first phase includes the production, treatment, transportation, and liquefaction of natural gas using floating units with a combined annual capacity of 12 million tons of LNG. “We are moving forward very quickly with ENI,” said Marín. “We’re confident that before the end of the year, we’ll reach the final investment decision and bring this critical phase of the project to life—one that’s essential for Argentina’s energy future.” The initiative involves the deployment of two floating liquefaction units, each with a capacity of 6 million tons per year (MTPY). The first unit is expected to begin operations in 2029, and additional international partners expressing interest in the project will be announced in the coming months. Led by YPF, the Argentina LNG project brings together a consortium of national and international energy leaders—including Shell, ENI, PAE, and Pampa Energía—across its three development phases. The long-term goal is to export $15 billion worth of LNG annually over a 20-year period, with continuous shipments beginning in 2031. The Argentine government has designated the project as strategic, emphasizing its importance in a global context where LNG is increasingly recognized as a reliable and scalable energy source. Today, LNG accounts for over a third of global energy trade, and demand is projected to double by 2050. Following the signing ceremony, company leaders gathered for a private dinner to discuss the next steps toward the FID and explore the broader vision of the Argentina LNG initiative.