Brazil and Argentina Close to Agreement on Natural Gas Trade, Says MME
A memorandum of understanding signed by both countries, outlining the supply of gas from Argentina’s Vaca Muerta field to Brazil, was highlighted this Wednesday (10) during the second day of the Rio Pipeline & Logistics.
Marcello Weyght, Director of Natural Gas at the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), stated that Brazil and Argentina are close to reaching a strategic agreement on natural gas trade. The announcement was made at Rio Pipeline & Logistics, organized by the Brazilian Petroleum and Gas Institute (IBP), which runs until Thursday (11) and features a broad program of panels, workshops, and an exhibition area for companies in the sector.
The memorandum foresees the supply of natural gas from Vaca Muerta, with initial volumes of 2 million cubic meters per day destined for Brazil in the short term, potentially reaching 10 million m³/day within three years and up to 30 million m³/day by 2030.
“In general, the key message is that we have never been so close to achieving this integration, not only because of the existing pipelines but also due to the dialogue and mobilization of the stakeholders involved,” said Weyght.
Ernesto López Anadón, President of the Instituto Argentino del Petróleo y del Gas (IAPG), reinforced this vision of collaboration, stressing the importance of Southern Cone countries leveraging Vaca Muerta’s gas resources. Anadón emphasized that energy integration will take place when businesses move forward, generating agreements and deals, with governments facilitating the process through appropriate regulations.
Leonardo Macchia, Vice President of Sales at Tecnopetrol, noted that demand is a decisive factor for sustained, long-term exports. “Brazil needs to be willing to sign long-term supply contracts to make gas pipelines viable.”
For IBP President Roberto Ardenghy, who moderated the panel, integration between the two countries is strategic. “Argentina today represents a very interesting alternative for the Brazilian gas market,” he concluded.
Logistics for Operations in the Equatorial Margin
Amid discoveries in Guyana and Suriname, Petrobras highlighted the immense geological potential of the Equatorial Margin and the robust logistical structure required given the infrastructure challenges in the region. Jonilton Pessoa, Petrobras’ Executive Manager of Exploration, emphasized the geological similarities with neighboring areas of great success.
Petrobras awaits IBAMA’s response after completing the Pre-Operational Assessment (APO), an extensive emergency drill to test the effectiveness of its contingency plan. The company remains optimistic, noting that all environmental agency requirements were met, which would allow exploration activities to begin in the region.
Vaney Nascimento da Cunha, Petrobras’ Executive Manager of E&P Logistics, detailed the complexity of the operation, involving a large mobilization of people and equipment, including six dedicated vessels, three helicopters, an Environmental Defense Center, and two advanced response centers with technical staff available 24/7.
Exhibition Showcases Energy and Logistics Innovations
Rio Pipeline & Logistics 2025 recorded a 43% increase in exhibition area, with more than 100 companies participating. Among the technological highlights, HGS is presenting the Laserpro Scan, a system developed for natural gas leak detection using infrared laser technology, easily installable in any vehicle, and capable of issuing immediate alerts about leaks.
TAG is showcasing MAGO, an automated operational management monitoring tool that enhances transparency and predictability in operations and offers immersive virtual reality experiences of the company’s assets. Meanwhile, Omni Unmanned, the drone division of Grupo OHI, is presenting large-scale drone inspection and monitoring solutions capable of operating in remote areas, reducing carbon emissions by up to 95%, and replacing helicopters in various missions, including offshore transport and environmental monitoring.
The exhibition also features a technical program, case presentations, and debates on innovation, safety, and sustainability in the sector. Visitors can directly interact with products and explore solutions that are transforming logistics and energy infrastructure in Brazil.
At IBP’s booth, visitors can participate in activities and attend talks on innovation, diversity, knowledge management, and market trends. On Wednesday (10), the highlight was the session “Women in Operations: Female Leadership in Midstream”, with Carla Diniz (NTS), Camila Faria (TAG), and Keurrie Cipriano (Transpetro) sharing their journeys and perspectives on women’s roles in the industry.
About Rio Pipeline & Logistics
Rio Pipeline & Logistics takes place at ExpoRio Cidade Nova from September 9 to 11 and is supported by Petrobras as Master Sponsor; TAG, TBG, and Transpetro as Diamond Sponsors; NTS and Tenaris as Platinum Sponsors; TechnipFMC as Gold Sponsor; Rosen as Silver Sponsor; and SLB + Enivibes, Solar Turbines, Tory Tech, Energia Latam, and Ecopetrol as Bronze Sponsors. The event also has a Strategic Partnership with the Secretariat of Energy and Sea Economy of the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Institutional support comes from: ABCM, Abegás, AbesPetro, Abimaq, ABICAM, ABRACO, ABTL, AHK, Arpel, ATP, CTDUT, EIC, and Energeo. Media partners include: Eixos, Offshore, Oil & Gas Journal, Petro & Química, PTJ, TN Petróleo, and World Pipelines.
