Fortín de Piedra proves that dedication, teamwork, and commitment can push boundaries and achieve new goals.

“Fortín de Piedra really was a game-changer for the company, as it took us to the next level. The project presented us with a lot of challenges beyond just the business and technical aspects, but as we grew, we learned to embrace diverse experiences and insights, refining our approach while staying true to who we are. We’ve built a really dynamic team, and it’s the power of that collaboration that has produced these remarkable results!" Luis Crespo, Oil & Gas Transport & Transfer Sr. Manager, proudly explains what it means for Tecpetrol to have notched up a new round of production, safety, delivery and revenue records at its Vaca Muerta field in Neuquén.

It’s a very accurate description that perfectly captures their journey, a reference to both the learning process and the team’s capabilities and human qualities—key ingredients in a recipe for success, now clearly reflected in numbers:

> Monthly Gas Deliveries during July: 23.5 MMm³/d, 8% above the previous maximum (21.8 MMm3/d in August 2023).

> Daily Gas Deliveries: 24.31 MMm³/d on July 9. Additionally, they were able to deliver over 24 MMm³/d for 16 days of the month.

> Monthly Oil Production in July: 9,593 bbl/d, which is 20% above the previous record (7,974 bbl/d in June 2023).

> Daily Oil Production: 10,500 bbl/d. The most recent peak was 9,473 bbl/d achieved on May 1, 2024.

And the list goes on, but before continuing, here’s how the experts describe these milestones.

Nicolás Otero, Midstream & Dispatch Manager, explains that, “Our biggest achievement was hitting 24 MMm³/d in production and being able to maintain it over time. We did this by maximizing sales through achieving the seamless coordination of gas deliveries, enabling us to meet demand and honor our contracts.”

"I'm incredibly proud to be part of this project and its growth. Today, Fortín meets around 15% of the country's natural gas demand. Having worked in this sector for over 10 years, I've seen it grow from the ground up. Before Fortín, the country’s gas transportation system had excess capacity. And now, just last year, a new gas pipeline (GPNK) was built because the basin's evacuation capacity was maxed out—thanks in large part to Fortín's success,” points out Nicolás.

Matías Hutt, Field Operations Sr. Manager, describes the methodology and values that make these records possible. “We set goals, and once we achieve them, we’re immediately looking for the next challenge to overcome and keep growing. That’s what defines us as a team—the constant push for excellence.”

Fortín de Piedra also reached a record net income of USD 121.8 million, overtaking the previous maximum amount reached on October 18 by 1.5%. “These numbers show that a highly motivated and committed team with a shared goal can achieve the impossible. It was all about dedication and hard work!” says Nicolás.

The common denominator for all of these achievements is safety. Martin Bengochea, Vice President of the Neuquén and Vaca Muerta Region, concludes: “During the 23/24 period, the Neuquén Basin Vaca Muerta Region hit all the safety indicator goals for the first time ever. To give you an example, for nearly two years we’ve not had any serious accidents or lost workdays in our operations—and this is no mean feat! This success is thanks to the team’s effort, commitment and safety leadership. It proves that we can boost production, activity, and income without compromising the physical integrity of our most valuable asset—our people, both internal and contractors."