In 2023, following exploration tasks carried out by the vessel BGP Prospector, the Argentine government approved gas and oil operations 300 km offshore from the coast of the province of Buenos Aires for the first time.
After a legal battle against environmental groups, operations began at Block CAN 100 in the northern marine basin at the Argerich X1 well, led by the state-owned YPF along with the foreign companies Shell and Equinor. Between April and June 2024, two AW139 helicopters were leased from Omni Brazil and operated from Mar del Plata. Operations started with the arrival of the drillship Valaris DS 17 on April 25, 2024.
Previously, in 2008 and again in 2011, Helicopteros Marinos had operated AW139 helicopters further south in Patagonia, this time leased from ERA, based in Comodoro Rivadavia and Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego.
Previously, in 2008 and again in 2011, Helicopteros Marinos had operated AW139 helicopters further south in Patagonia, this time leased from ERA, based in Comodoro Rivadavia and Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego.
