Technology
Argentina’s YPF taps Axens for fast-track diesel upgrade in Argentina
The modules will integrate pressure vessels, structures, piping and instrumentation at a dedicated fabrication yard before being transported to site
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By ICN Bureau | September 07, 2026
Argentina’s YPF has awarded Axens a contract to implement a new 5,000 m³/day low-sulphur diesel hydrotreater at its Industrial Complex, marking another major step in the refinery’s fuel-quality upgrade.
The unit will use Axens’ Prime-D technology, designed to produce ultra-low sulphur diesel while offering operational flexibility and reliability.
Axens will deliver the hydrotreater as a prefabricated modular unit, allowing YPF to accelerate construction while keeping refinery operations running. The modular approach is expected to cut the project schedule by six months compared with conventional stick-built construction.
The modules will integrate pressure vessels, structures, piping and instrumentation at a dedicated fabrication yard before being transported to site. According to Axens, the approach will reduce on-site work and co-activity while helping optimize capital expenditure and lower project execution risk.
Prime-D is Axens’ flagship diesel hydrotreating technology for producing ultra-low sulphur diesel. The company says the technology has a large number of industrial references worldwide and is designed to help refiners meet stringent fuel specifications while improving project economics and long-term operating efficiency.
For YPF, the decision also builds on Axens’ previous experience delivering major modular projects in Argentina, strengthening the case for a fast-track execution model.
The project reinforces the growing role of modular construction in refinery upgrades, particularly where operators need to add or modernize processing capacity without lengthy shutdowns or extensive on-site construction.
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