Buenos Aires, March 14 (NA) – The President and CEO of YPF, Horacio Marín, and the CEO of SLB, Olivier Le Peuch, toured YPF's operations in Loma Campana. Also participating were Carmen Rando Bejar, President for the Americas at SLB, and Patricio Whitney, General Manager for Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. The delegation toured a drilling rig and a fracking set, where they observed firsthand the operations in the Vaca Muerta shale and the joint work between both companies in its development. "It is a pride to show the results we have achieved in Vaca Muerta that place us in a very competitive position worldwide." Vaca Muerta represents one of the world's most important unconventional energy opportunities. We are proud to accompany YPF in this development and to contribute with our technology and experience to achieve these world-class efficiency levels," highlighted Le Peuch. With over 200,000 barrels of daily production, YPF has reached productivity and efficiency levels that allow it to compete with similar operations in the United States. The lifting cost in YPF's core operations in Vaca Muerta is currently around $4.2 per barrel, and the break-even price is in the $40 range. In terms of efficiencies, YPF managed to increase drilling speed by 66% and fracking speed by 61% between January 2023 and January 2026. SLB has been a key technological partner in this process, providing drilling and fracking solutions that contributed to the efficiency improvements achieved in Vaca Muerta. SLB joins IVM As part of the visit, Marín and Le Peuch signed the letter of adherence to the IVM, an initiative between the country's leading oil companies, together with the government of Neuquén province and the capital city municipality, which seeks to train new workers for the challenges presented by Vaca Muerta's growth. Its inauguration is scheduled for the next March 16 at the headquarters of the Neuquén Technology Pole. The new institution will provide practice-based training, with a focus on operational safety and technical excellence. "I want to thank Olivier Le Peuch for his presence in Vaca Muerta, a sign of the relevance that Argentina has on the world production map," expressed Marín.
