Massive 270-meter oil tanker anchors in the Bahía Blanca estuary

The port of Bahía Blanca,  Argentina, accustomed to handling large vessels, is set to draw fresh attention today, November 4, with the arrival of the Bristol—a 270-meter Suezmax oil tanker. Owned by Euronav and constructed by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. in South Korea this year, the Greek-flagged vessel arrives from Chile to take on fuel near Buoy 11, just off Punta Tejada. This operation is part of a bunkering arrangement coordinated by the Bahía Blanca refinery.

The regular appearance of large oil tankers in Bahía Blanca’s estuary reflects the growing volume of Vaca Muerta crude moving through the region’s export terminals, Puerto Rosales and Puerto Galván. Another tanker, the 244-meter Eestem Cowboy, is also expected shortly to load crude oil destined for the United States.

Bunkering operations have expanded in Bahía Blanca since 2019, when ship-to-ship fuel transfers resumed at Buoy 11 after a lengthy pause. Located at the southernmost marine fuel delivery point on the Atlantic coast, Buoy 11 offers clients a cost-effective solution, with entry fees roughly one-third of those near the anchorage at La Plata.

Years ago, this bunkering practice was common, but changes in regulations by the Argentine Naval Prefecture restricted it to Buoy 17, a spot closer to the port of Ingeniero White. Since the return of ship-to-ship transfers, however, the increase in tanker traffic has energized the Bahía Blanca port community, generating employment across a broad spectrum of maritime industries.

Before establishing this local supply point, vessels often had to refuel in Santos, Brazil, Uruguay, or La Plata, adding time and cost. The resumption of bunkering in Bahía Blanca now allows ships a more streamlined and affordable option for fueling operations.

Source: Argenports

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