Tecnimont Wins Major Contract for New Fertilizer Complex in Argentina

Tecnimont Secures Major Engineering Contract in Argentina

On July 23, 2026, MAIRE's subsidiary Tecnimont, known for its Integrated Engineering and Construction solutions, announced that they have been awarded a significant contract valued at approximately €1.3 billion by Fértil Pampa S.A.U., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pampa Energia S.A. This landmark contract involves the full-spectrum engineering, procurement, startup, and commissioning activities for a large-scale fertilizer complex in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The project will leverage Nextchem’s advanced urea technology, which is set to become a cornerstone for local agricultural development. Distinguished as the largest urea production facility in Latin America, the new plant aims to produce around 2.1 million tons of granulated urea annually. With an expected completion time of 41 months, this complex will significantly bolster regional fertilizer production capabilities.

Project Highlights

The new facility will encompass a substantial ammonia plant, alongside two parallel ultra-low emission urea production lines, each complete with its granulation unit. Together, they will facilitate a production capacity of 6,000 metric tons per day, resulting in a combined annual output of 2.1 million tons of urea. The site will span 80 hectares within Bahia Blanca’s industrial area, a crucial hub that provides direct access to essential logistical infrastructures, such as gas pipelines and deep-water export ports.

Tecnimont’s role will cover facets of engineering and procurement processes, assisted by Nextchem's provision of technology for urea synthesis and granulation. In this collaborative effort, the Process Design Package (PDP) and associated proprietary equipment will ensure optimal performance. KBR will contribute their expertise in ammonia technology, reinforcing the plant’s operational excellence.

Economic and Social Impact

In addition to its technical aspects, this initiative holds notable socioeconomic implications. It is projected to create over 3,500 direct jobs during the peak construction phase, along with numerous indirect jobs throughout the supply chain, thereby fostering economic growth in the region.

Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, expressed optimism about this contract, noting that it signifies their entry into the Argentine market and highlights the inherent strengths of Tecnimont’s project execution in conjunction with the innovative technologies offered by Nextchem. Bernini stated, “We are proud to contribute to the development of this strategic fertilizer complex, which is set to enhance the utilization of natural gas reserves in Argentina’s downstream sector while bolstering the country’s fertilizer production.”

With growing environmental considerations, the facility will operate under stringent low-emission standards, linking economic progress with sustainable practices in agricultural fertilizers. This project's successful realization not only cements Tecnimont's position in Argentina but also serves as a model for future ecological and economic integrations in industrial projects worldwide.