Oil and gas in Argentina

Martínez de Hoz & Rueda

A dominant force in the country’s oil-and-gas industry, Martínez de Hoz & Rueda is a reference point for local and international clients seeking advice on oil-and-gas exploration, production, transportation, distribution and marketing. Operating out of offices in Buenos Aires and Neuquén (Argentina’s shale gas industry hub), the team has also carved out a market-leading position in relation to hydrocarbon concession extension agreements and renegotiations, and is active in unconventional hydrocarbons operations and the development of LNG projects too. The firm’s large roster of retained international clients also rely on the team for support on multi-party, multi-contract commercial arbitrations arising out of cross-border transactions. The formidable energy law veteran José Martínez De Hoz brings vast hydrocarbons and associated arbitration expertise to the table. He co-leads the practice alongside fellow oil-and-gas industry stalwart Pablo Rueda and dynamic younger partner Tomás Lanardonne, who fronts the firm’s Neuquén base and has wide ranging transactional and regulatory expertise. From a strong associate bench, Marcos Blanco (oil-and-gas, project finance, M&A, and dispute resolution) and Valeria Celesti (hydrocarbons matters) are both noted. Since publication, Blanco has been raised to the partnership – effective January 2024.

Practice head(s):

José Alfredo Martínez de Hoz; Pablo Rueda; Tomás Lanardonne


Testimonials

Extensive knowledge of oil-and-gas regulations and excellent support of clients.

The lawyers at Martínez de Hoz & Rueda assist most of the relevant oil-and-gas companies in Argentina. They have wide and varied experience on the problems of the sector and know how to respond.

Experience, responsiveness, teamwork, professionalism and specialisation are the team’s best attributes. Notable names are José Martínez, Jose Martínez de Hoz (h), Pablo Rueda and Tomás Lannardone. Two young lawyers – Milagros Lezica and Valeria Celesti – stand out.

Key clients

CAPEX


Chevron Corporation and Chevron Argentina


Compañía de Hidrocarburo No Convencional


Compañía General de Combustibles


Compañía MEGA


Delta Patagonia


Enerflex


Equinor


ExxonMobil Exploration Argentina


Gasoducto Atacama Chile


International Financial Corporation


Madalena Energy


Mitsui & Co


Oleoductos del Valle


Pan American Energy Group


Patagonia Energy


PECOM Servicios de Energía


Petroquimica Comodoro Rivadavia


Phoenix Global Resources


Pluspetrol


President Petroleum


Schlumberger Production Management


Shell


Total Austral


Trafigura Group


Transportadora Gas del Sur


Tullow Oil


Wintershall DEA Argentina


YPF


Work highlights


  • Advising Argentina’s national oil company, YPF, on a project to revamp the Oleoducto Trasandino pipeline, enabling the export crude oil to ENAP, Chile’s National Oil Company.
  • Advising YPF on an integrated LNG project that includes an offshore floating flange and an onshore greenfield liquefaction facility, as well as associated dedicated natural gas transportation facilities and up-stream development.
  • Advising Oldelval – the largest crude oil midstream player of Argentina – on the Duplicar Expansion Project, which involvesthe significant expansion of a 500 km crude oil pipeline.

Bomchil

Bomchil’s oil-and-gas practice has gone from strength-to-strength following its 2020 tie-up with leading oil-and-gas and energy boutique Alliani & Bruzzon. The practice has wide-ranging industry capabilities and is regularly sought out for its deep expertise in the areas of exploration, production, transportation and refining. The team also covers dispute resolution, regulatory issues and outbound and inbound oil-and-gas transactional matters. The practice is fronted by industry rainmaker Pablo Alliani, a regulatory, oil-and-gas and M&A practitioner of vast experience. Veteran oil-and-gas all-rounder Fernando Brunelli is another big name in the sector, with further senior level support coming from administrative law, disputes and energy regulation partner Cristian Galansky. The practice also draws extensively on the firm’s full-service capabilities, with additional assistance coming from banking and finance partner Fermín Caride and economic regulation and disputes specialist María Inés Corrá. A phalanx of associates dedicated to oil-and-gas lead the second line, with Brenda Saluzzi, Matías Debarbieri and Andrea Lovfall among the key names.

Practice head(s):

Pablo Alliani


Key clients

Chevron Overseas Corporation


Maersk Drilling


Enerflex


Refinor


Equinor


Chevron


Wintershall Dea


Compañía General de Combustibles


Compañía de Hidrocarburo No Convencional


Ecopolo


Oaktree Capital Management


Work highlights


  • Assisted Chevron in the administration of the Loma Campana agreement in the Vaca Muerta shale region.
  • Represented Chevron Argentina and Chevron Overseas Corporation in analysing Oldeval’s plans to invest $100m to expand its transportation capacity to handle growing output from Vaca Muerta.
  • Assisted Oaktree Capital Management on the acquisition of Litoral Gas, a gas distribution and commercialisation company.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja’s regulatory and commercial oil-and-gas expertise sees it regularly called on to advise multinational and domestic industry players on big-ticket transactions in the sector. In addition to M&A and regulatory work, the team is also prominent in exploration and production, and has played a key role supporting large upstream operators on the development of the Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas formation. Unconventional hydrocarbon development, liquefied natural gas infrastructure project work and energy transition are other active areas. Javier Galli, ‘one of the lawyers with the most knowledge and experience in the sector’, leads the practice and is recognised for his exceptional transactional and operational record. Corporate law and M&A-focused partner Santiago Balbi also has extensive industry experience, with senior associate Nicolás Dulce providing the next line of support.

Practice head(s):

Javier Galli


Testimonials

A team with excellent experience in the oil-and-gas sector that keeps in permanent contact with the industry and the complex problems it faces.

The work ethic of the team sets it apart from other firms. Javier Rodriguez Galli is one of the lawyers with the most knowledge and experience in the sector. He takes an innovative approach to support his clients.

The practice is able to quickly cross-refer to other practices whenever advice is needed beyond the expertise of the immediate team. They always work as a team to promote the interests of their clients.

Javier Rodriguez, Nicolas Dulce and Macarena Rolon are very dependable and possess good technical knowledge.

It is probably the best team of oil-and-gas lawyers in Argentina. Javier Rodriguez Galli leads the team and is an excellent advisor. He is always one step ahead of what is coming and proactively advises us accordingly.

Javier Rodriguez Galli has vast experience in structuring M&A deals, especially those linked to the hydrocarbons and energy sector. He has in-depth knowledge of the sector, proactivity and a deep legal perspective.

Key clients

Vista Energy


YPF


Petronas


Equinor


Trafigura


Albanesi


Pluspetrol


Work highlights


  • Advised Petronas on the structuring of a large liquified natural gas project with YPF to build and operate a liquefaction plant requiring projected investment of more than $10bn.
  • Advised Vista on its sale of conventional assets to Petrolera Aconcagua, including the assignment of six exploitation concessions and three transportation concessions for a total combined value of $400m.
  • Advised Petronas and Vista, together with other upstream producers, on the structuring of a series of agreements to implement the construction of the Vaca Muerta North pipeline and exports to Chile.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

The strength and depth of Marval O’Farrell Mairal’s full service offering has made the firm a natural choice for oil-and-gas companies seeking transactional, contractual, regulatory and dispute resolution advice. The practice is particularly strong in the natural gas space, but is comfortable handling work across the entire hydrocarbons supply chain. Exploration and production matters as well as midstream and downstream work are all covered, including specific LNG-related engagements. Energy transition and decarbonisation are other active areas. Well-regarded oil-and-gas veteran Francisco MacÍas has more than 20 years of industry experience and leads the practice, with former Total legal director and of counsel Arturo Pera the other key senior figure on the roster. Former practice head Ricardo Beller has exited the team, but the promotion of finance and energy lawyer Agustina Ranieri to the partnership and the hire of regulatory, energy and litigation partner Soledad Riera has ensured that the practice continues to offer clients senior-level expertise and experience.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Macías


Testimonials

This firm has been supporting us for years and we have a long-term relationship of trust. They have demonstrated technical capacity and knowledge with their contacts in Argentina.

The technical quality of the work and specific knowledge of each matter gives clients complete confidence. They are a proactive and organised team, who respond quickly and efficiently and are concerned about anticipating problems that may arise on a day-to-day basis.

The work of Francisco Macías, Macarena García and Salvador Muttini is outstanding.

Arturo Pera has unmatched experience and track record in hydrocarbon exploration and development activities. His knowledge is vast.

Extensive knowledge of oil and gas regulations.

Key clients

Exxon Mobil / Exxon


Royal Dutch Shell / Raízen Argentina


Compañía Mega (joint venture between YPF, Petrobrás and Dow)


Corporación América / Compañía General de Combustibles / CGC Energía


BP


Engie


Total


Petrobras


Transportadora de Gas del Sur


Schlumberger Argentina


DLS Archer


Trafigura


Dow


Vitol


Gasoducto Nor Andino


Gasoducto GasAndes


Litoral Gas


ENI


Searcher Seismic


TGS / Spectrum


Roch


Tecpetrol


Capetrol


Sumitomo


Constellation


High Luck Group


Pan American Energy


Air Drilling Associates


Weatherford


Work highlights


  • Advising Compañía Mega on highly sensitive matters arising from EPC contracts with Techint and an agreement with the client’s main gas supplier, YPF.
  • Advising Compañía General de Combustibles in connection with obtaining natural gas export permits to Chile.
  • Advising gas producers Compañía General de Combustibles, Pan American Energy and Tecpetrol on large claims against the government in connection with non-payments incurred under gas promotional programmes.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie handles the full range of oil-and-gas transactions along the entire value chain, from upstream to downstream, including exploration and production, services, distribution and trading. Particular areas of strength include advising international oil-and-gas services operators on contractual and reorganisation matters, and providing detailed counsel on offshore drilling permits, bids and seismic surveys. Managing partner Adolfo Durañona handles commercial agreements, major projects and M&A, particularly in the upstream space. He co-leads the team alongside corporate, M&A and regulatory partner Roberto Grané; while Ezequiel Artola, who handles a wide range of natural resources, energy and infrastructure matters, is another key senior figure. Candelaria Munilla, previously with YPF, is the main contact at associate level. Former senior associate Yanina Odriozola moved in house at JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Practice head(s):

Adolfo Durañona; Roberto Grané


Testimonials

The team is technically very solid and, in addition, they coordinate properly to provide a good service and deal with transactions.

Roberto Grané is a lawyer with extensive knowledge of the oil-and-gas industry as well as a solid foundation in general law. He is very skilled at negotiations and an ally in complex transactions.

Key clients

Spectrum


Nabors


Energicon


Weatherford


Wellbore Integrity Solutions


Hellmerich & Pane


BGP Offshore CNPC


Fugro


Hydro Solution


Eco2Energies


Work highlights


  • Advised Helmerich & Payne on an investment in Galileo Technologies, which uses a unique technology to capture natural gas from any source and convert it into liquefied natural gas on-site.
  • Advised Spectrumon on different aspects of its offshore operations in Argentina, including requests for offshore seismic permits.
  • Assisted Energicon with different matters related to oil-and-gas operations in the Province of Rio Negro.

Beccar Varela

Oil-and-gas clients turn to Beccar Varela for advice regarding offshore exploration, concessions, EPC and other contractual matters, as well as M&A and joint ventures. The team covers all stages of the oil-and-gas production cycle, including exploration, upstream, downstream, equipment and service supplier matters. Other active areas include land use, environmental regulation and financing. The team is co-led by respected corporate and natural resources practitioner Roberto Fortunati; experienced energy partner José Carlos Cueva; Ricardo Castañeda, whose main area of focus is electricity but who also handles hydrocarbon-related work; and M&A and project finance partner Pedro Silvestri.

Practice head(s):

Roberto Fortunati; José Carlos Cueva; Ricardo Castañeda; Pedro Silvestri


Testimonials

Beccar Varela’s team provides us with a comprehensive service. They help us with all the company’s legal matters.

The service is very efficient. Pedro Silvestri is an excellent lawyer with knowledge of the oil industry and strong transactional and financing experience.

Key clients

Quintana E&P Argentina


Seadrill Servicos de Petroleo


Petróleos Sudamericanos


YPF


Raizen Argentina


ENAP Sipetrol


Ingeniería Alpa


Patterson UTI Energy


Work highlights


  • Advising Petróleos Sudamericanos on a daily basis regarding its exploration and production activities across multiple concession areas in the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén.
  • Advising Quintana E&P Argentina on its exploration and production activities across multiple concession areas in the province of Santa Cruz.
  • Advising Petróleos Sudamericanos on the analysis, implementation, negotiation and agreement with the province of Río Negro related to a promotional regime for investments in low productivity hydrocarbons wells.

Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno Abogados

Oil-and-gas exploration, production transportation, distribution, refining and trading are all handled by Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno Abogados, which is particularly well known for its work structuring deals for upstream assignments, farm-outs and joint ventures, as well as downstream corporate M&A. The practice also handles regulatory, permitting and concession matters, as well as various contract negotiations, credit facilities and project finance work. Team head Mariana Ardizzone is a stand-out energy industry practitioner, with corporate partner María Recondo - who is knowledgeable about the sector, having previously had roles with YPF and Tecpetrol - providing key support. The team is also able to draw on expertise from other departments. Administrative law practice head Horacio Ruiz Moreno has acted as the statutory controller for Ecogas, Gas Natural Ban and Transportadora de Gas del Sur; while M&A and financing partners Julio Martínez, Diego Parise and Aixa Sureda have all worked on high-profile oil-and-gas deals and financings.

Practice head(s):

Mariana Ardizzone


Testimonials

‘A very good team that gives immediate responses to queries and advice.’

‘In addition to her extensive knowledge in oil-and-gas, Mariana Ardizzone has been of fundamental importance to us as she offers solutions and alternatives to the different legal problems we encounter.’

Key clients

KCA Deutag


Saudi Aramco


Roch


De Gauchos Energy


Challenger Energy Group


Endriven


Antivari


Southern Cross


Echo Energy


Geopark Limited


Novum Energy Trading Corp


Raizen Combustiveis


Sol Energy


Tecpetrol


Oil Field Services


Chevron Argentina


ENI/Agip


Work highlights


  • Acted as Argentine counsel to KCA Deutag for the acquisition of the onshore drilling business of the Italian drilling services company, Saipem.
  • Acted as Argentine counsel to Saudi Aramco on the acquisition of Valvoline Global Products, a producer and distributor of premium branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants, and automotive chemicals.
  • We advised CEG on a negotiation with the Uruguay national oil company ANCAP related to a production sharing contract for an offshore drilling block.

Nicholson y Cano Abogados

Nicholson y Cano Abogados is an established presence in the traditional oil-and-gas space and played an influential role in structuring Argentina’s first independent midstream company and developing early joint venture and financing structures in the burgeoning shale sector. The team covers upstream, downstream and oilfield services work in the hydrocarbons space, but more recently has also focused on renewable energy, carbon capture and green hydrogen initiatives. The practice is co-led by Nicolás Perkins, a respected and versatile oil-and-gas lawyer with more than 25 years' industry experience; and Mariana Guzian, an energy expert with deep knowledge of oil-and-gas joint ventures. Marcelo Lamesa is another key partner name; he has advised oil-and-gas clients on exploration, production, transportation, marketing and transactional matters for more than three decades. The practice also draws on the expertise of environmental law head Horacio Payá and human rights law expert Alfredo Vítolo.

Practice head(s):

Nicolás Perkins; Mariana Guzian


Testimonials

Nicolas Perkins is a leading international lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the subject matter on which he provides legal advice. His pragmatism and good judgment leads to  practical, effective and efficient solutions in highly complex matters.

Key clients

Aike NBS


Global Capital Finance


Oiltanking


HSBC Bank


AESA


Chevron


Raízen


YPF


Shell


Qatar Petroleum International


Petronas Lubricants


Pluspetrol


Total


BP Castrol


Schlumberger Group


TGS


Rosen Engineering


Refinor


New Times/High Luck Group


Pecom Servicios Energía


Work highlights


  • Advised Qatar Petroleum International on their role as minority shareholder of two ExxonMobil Argentine subsidiaries, which hold participating interests in seven Vaca Muerta concessions and permits.
  • Assisted QP Oil and Gas obtain its registration in the Oil Companies Registry, under the control of the Federal Secretariat of Energy, and its subsequent renewal.
  • External counsel to YPF in connection with JVs with Chevron for shale oil projects in the Loma Campana, Narambuena and Vaca Muerta shale fields in Argentina.

O'Farrell

O'Farrell draws on expertise from its public law, dispute resolution and electricity departments to provide clients in the oil-and-gas sector with assistance on regulatory, permitting, tariff reviews, bid processes, M&A and contentious matters. The practice handles a variety of upstream, downstream, transportation, distribution and commercialisation work, and has also advised on unconventional hydrocarbon projects in the Vaca Muerta shale formation. The practice is co-led by senior partner Uriel O'Farrell (corporate, M&A, regulation and disputes); Agustin Siboldi (regulation, exploration, production, distribution and commercialisation); and María Agustina Fanelli Evans (regulatory advisory, public contract renegotiations, tariff claims and litigious matters). Former practice head Juan Pablo Fratantoni moved in house at Pan American Energy.

Practice head(s):

Uriel O’Farrell; Agustín Siboldi; Agustina Fanelli Evans


Key clients

Pampa Energía


Naturgy Ban


Total


Amarilla Gas and Cañuela Gas


Naturgy Spain


Axion Argentina


Unipar Indupa


Energy Consulting Services


YPF


ENI


Gas Andes Argentina


Hattrick Energy


Managers of Aleph Midstream


Petroperú


Gasnor


Energía Compañia Petrolera


Work highlights


  • Advised Petroperu on the competitive process of executing five operation and maintenance agreements relating to Peru’s Talara Refinery.
  • Advising Total, Amarilla Gas and Cañuelas Gas on proceedings before antitrust authorities that could lead to a substantial reduction in the number of points-of-sale of bottled gas.
  • Provided legal advice to Pampa Energía in connection with the renegotiation of the conditions of a national incentive scheme to produce natural gas.

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen

Oil-and-gas transactional work is a key focus for Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen, which supports clients on M&A deals, joint ventures, due diligence, innovative investments and strategic acquisitions. The practice has been particularly active in the unconventional hydrocarbons segment (supporting the drafting of legislation to unlock the Vaca Muerta shale play), and has also advised on transnational pipeline and LNG terminal matters, along with federal and state energy regulatory work. Veteran oil-and-gas practitioner Francisco Romano draws on more than two-decades of industry experience, including a spell in-house with oil major Chevron. He co-leads the the team with senior partner and cross-border transactional and financing expert Alan Arntsen, who has a strong energy and infrastructure track record. Partner Nicole Jaureguiberry is the main contact for all environmental law matters. Senior associate Joaquín Ojeda Goncalves has left the firm and taken up a role with Colombo & Hurd.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Romano; Alan Arntsen


Testimonials

Dr. Francisco Romano knows the matters of his area of specialty -oil & gas- in great depth; he has a very good general legal training, a great sense of teamwork and demonstrates full commitment to the results of the task.

Key clients

Mercuria Energy Group


Phoenix Global Resources


Petrolera El Trébol


Pampa Energía


Dow Chemical


Trafigura


IFC


YPF


Wintershall Energía


Work highlights


  • Advised Mercuria on the negotiation, drafting and execution of an emission reduction purchase agreement with the Province of Misiones.
  • Advising YPF on a portfolio management process that includes a review of non-core hydrocarbon exploration permits and exploitation concessions.
  • Advising Petsa on a portfolio management process to assess the sale options of several non-core hydrocarbon exploration permits and exploitation concessions to Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia.

Alfaro-Abogados

Alfaro-Abogados’ multidisciplinary oil-and-gas practice is best known for handling work related to the implementation and development of new oil-and-gas projects. The practice covers the entire hydrocarbon value chain, from exploitation and development through to distribution and product sales. Financing and transactionally-focused senior partner Carlos Alfaro works with international banks and corporates, with large infrastructure financing a busy area. He leads the team alongside Sebastian Rodrigo, whose practice areas include corporate, regulatory, restructuring and cross-border affairs.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Alfaro; Sebastián Rodrigo


Allende & Brea

A formidable player in the mining sector, Allende & Brea has been working on growing its profile in the adjacent oil-and-gas sector, where it can leverage its full service capabilities, especially in the fields of tax, environmental law, contracts, M&A and financing in tightly regulated industries. Florencia Heredia, who is best known for her mining practice but also has experience across energy and the broader natural resources segment, leads the team; cross-border M&A financing partner Marcos Patron Costas, and associate Agostina Martinez (international oil-and-gas law, contracts and negotiations), are the other key contacts.

Bazán Cambré & Orts

Energy boutique Bazán Cambré & Orts advises multinational and domestic oil-and-gas companies on transactional, regulatory and contentious matters, with upstream work and oilfield services two areas of particular strength. Nicolás Dilernia leads the team and is called on for his expertise in contractual, corporate and regulatory matters impacting the industry. Partners Maria Victoria Tiscornia (corporate and commercial matters with a particular focus on oil-and-gas contracts), and Leandro Orts (commercial aspects of oil-and-gas law), provide further frontline support, with the practice also able to draw on the vast industry experience of firm founding partner Mario Orts – a stand-out oil-and-gas practitioner who has handled a variety of contractual, corporate, and regulatory matters, as well as serving at expert witness in international arbitrations.

Pozo Gowland Abogados

Pozo Gowland Abogados’s oil-and-gas practice has a strong natural gas focus, dovetailing with the expertise of its well-established electricity team. The midstream and downstream segments are the main areas of activity, with the practice working regularly with distributors and grid operators. Other areas covered include public services, infrastructure, construction, and environmental compliance, as well as regulatory issues and supporting clients in administrative and judicial proceedings. Administrative and regulatory law expert Héctor Pozo Gowland co-leads the practice alongside dispute resolution-focused Ramón Zubiaurre. Santiago Durigón (administrative law and public services), and Francisco Pozo Gowland (hydrocarbons, energy industry regulation and international arbitration), are the main contacts at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Héctor Pozo Gowland; Ramón Zubiaurre


Testimonials

The team at this firm is characterised by a high level of expertise, with much deeper knowledge than that of other firms that claim to specialise in this area.

Without a doubt, Héctor Pozo Gowland is a leading legal actor in this area.

Key clients

YPF


Pampa Energía


Transportadora de Gas del Sur


Camuzzi Gas Pampeana


Camuzzi Gas del Sur


Gasnor


Trafigura


Integración Energética Argentina


Gasnea


Pecom


Raizen


Work highlights


  • Managing 20 lawsuits on behalf of YPF arising from compensation claims brought by land owners in the Australand and Vaca Muerta shale basins.
  • Advised two gas transportation companies on claims relating to the suspended tariff revision through the 2019 to 2022 period.
  • Advised a company on a tender process for revamping pumping stations.