Chinese-flagged tanker loads Vaca Muerta crude at Puerto Rosales for U.S. delivery

 A Chinese-flagged oil tanker is loading about 80,000 tonnes of Vaca Muerta crude at Puerto Rosales for delivery to the United States, in a shipment that underscores the expanding global reach of Argentina’s shale output.

The vessel, the Yuan Tang Wan, is a 250-meter-long tanker operating at Otamerica’s terminal, one of the main export gateways for crude produced in the Neuquén Basin. The ship arrived from Australia and is now loading cargo bound for the U.S. market, ArgenPorts reported.

The operation also highlights an unusual snapshot of today’s energy flows: a Chinese-flagged ship lifting Argentine crude to supply the United States at a time when major powers are competing more intensely for strategic resources and energy security.

The shipment reinforces Puerto Rosales’ growing role in Argentina’s oil export chain, supported by sustained output gains in Vaca Muerta and the need to move rising volumes to international markets.

The southern Buenos Aires port complex has maintained a steady pace of shale oil-related operations, with repeated calls by Suezmax and Aframax tankers.

In recent days, large vessels such as the Oasis and the Rio Spirit have also loaded at the terminal, with the latter linked to a cargo of nearly 90,000 tonnes of crude also destined for the United States, ArgenPorts said.

Energy-sector sources cited by ArgenPorts said international demand for Vaca Muerta oil continues to rise due to the quality of Medanito crude and increased logistics capacity in the Rosales-Bahía Blanca system.

The rise in shipments comes as strategic projects linked to Argentina’s hydrocarbon export expansion move forward, including the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS) system, which aims to significantly expand crude evacuation capacity to overseas markets.

With more frequent liftings and larger ships, Puerto Rosales is increasingly consolidating its position as one of Argentina’s main gateways for crude exports, ArgenPorts said.

Source: ArgenPorts

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