MAIRE announced that its subsidiary Tecnimont, part of its Integrated Engineering & Construction (E&C) Solutions business, bagged a €1.3 billion contract from Fértil Pampa S.A.U., a wholly owned subsidiary of Pampa Energia S.A., to develop a large-scale fertilizer complex in Argentina. The project marks Tecnimont’s entry into the Argentine market and further strengthens MAIRE’s global footprint in delivering world-class industrial and fertilizer infrastructure.
Largest Urea Production Facility in Latin America
The fertilizer complex will be constructed on an 80-hectare site within the Bahía Blanca Industrial Complex in Buenos Aires Province. The facility will comprise a world-scale ammonia production facility, two parallel Ultra-Low Energy (ULE) urea production trains and dedicated granulation units for each production line. Together, the plant will have a production capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per day, equivalent to 2.1 million tonnes of urea annually, making it the largest urea manufacturing facility in Latin America.
Strategic Location Enhances Operational Efficiency
The project site has been strategically selected adjacent to Pampa Energia’s existing power generation assets, enabling efficient integration with critical infrastructure. The location offers direct access to natural gas pipeline networks, high-voltage electricity transmission lines, industrial water intake systems and a deep-water export port. These advantages will improve logistics, reduce operating costs and facilitate efficient distribution of fertilizer products to domestic and international markets.
Tecnimont to Deliver Complete EPC Services
Under the contract, Tecnimont will execute the project’s Engineering, Procurement, Commissioning and plant start-up activities. The company will leverage its extensive experience in executing large-scale fertilizer and petrochemical projects to ensure efficient project delivery.
Advanced Technologies to Improve Energy Efficiency
The project will incorporate advanced technologies from several global technology providers. Nextchem, MAIRE’s sustainable technology business, will provide:
Stamicarbon’s market-leading urea melt licensing technology
Urea granulation technology
Process Design Package (PDP)
Proprietary process equipment
Additionally, KT Tech will supply the primary reformer for synthesis gas (syngas) production, while KBR will provide the ammonia production technology. Of the total €1.3 billion contract value, approximately €140 million relates to Nextchem’s technology package. The project will be executed in collaboration with SACDE S.A., one of Argentina’s leading construction companies. Construction is expected to be completed within 41 months, supporting the timely development of one of the region’s most significant fertilizer manufacturing investments.
MAIRE Expands Global Presence
Alessandro Bernini, Chief Executive Officer of MAIRE, said, “This award marks our entry into Argentina, further diversifying our geographical footprint. It also demonstrates our ability to combine Tecnimont’s proven project execution capabilities with Nextchem’s advanced technology portfolio to deliver world-scale industrial projects.” He added that the fertilizer complex will support the efficient utilisation of Argentina’s natural gas reserves while strengthening the country’s downstream fertilizer industry and long-term agricultural competitiveness.
Strengthening Sustainable Fertilizer Manufacturing
The project represents another important milestone for MAIRE in expanding its global engineering and sustainable technology business. By integrating advanced ammonia and ultra-low-energy urea production technologies, the facility is expected to improve energy efficiency while supporting sustainable fertilizer manufacturing. As per the press release, once operational, the complex will significantly strengthen Latin America’s fertilizer production capacity and contribute to regional food security through reliable domestic urea supply.
