Marín, appointed CEO in late 2023, received the 2025 CEO of the Year award from El Cronista, Apertura, and PwC Argentina, recognizing his pivotal role in advancing this strategic project. YPF’s operational growth under his leadership includes an 82% increase in shale oil production and strategic moves such as launching Vaca Muerta Oil Sur and forming key partnerships within the Argentina LNG consortium. The company is streamlining its portfolio, exiting non-core assets in Brazil and Chile to consolidate focus on high-return areas.
Essential infrastructure developments are progressing, including the Vaca Muerta Sur pipeline, currently over 45% complete, which will facilitate exports of 180,000 barrels per day by early 2027 and scale up to 550,000 barrels by 2028. Productivity enhancements have improved hydraulic fracturing and drilling efficiency by 31% and 25%, respectively, enabling capital optimization with fewer drilling rigs.
On the GNL front, YPF aims to increase liquefaction capacity from 12 million to 18 million tonnes per annum, with ongoing negotiations for strategic off-take agreements expected to be finalized by December 25. Partnerships with international energy majors such as Eni and ADNOC are part of this effort.
Marín’s outlook underscores a broader industry transformation involving cultural change and operational efficiency to achieve global competitiveness, particularly vis-à-vis U.S. shale producers. YPF’s “Plan 4×4” drives modernization, cost reduction, and accelerated drilling efforts, reflecting an aggressive pivot towards export-led growth. External conditions, including governmental reforms and a more open market stance under President Javier Milei, are cited by Marín as enablers for these advances. The anticipated investments and infrastructure upgrades mark a significant shift, positioning Argentina as a competitive global player in hydrocarbons exports within the next decade.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
