SGS Opens Crude Oil Testing Laboratory in in Bahia Blanca

We are proud to announce the opening of our new crude oil testing laboratory in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, strengthening our capabilities in one of South America’s most important oil export hubs.

Strategically located to support Argentina’s crude oil market

Located next to our existing offices in Buenos Aires Province, this new laboratory places us at the center of Argentina’s rapidly expanding crude oil production driven by the Vaca Muerta formation. With significant infrastructure developments at the OTAMERICA terminal, including new berths (Rosa Negra 1, 2 and 3) for Aframax and Suezmax vessels and expanded storage capacity, Bahía Blanca has become a key crude oil export hub. Today, more than 80% of Argentina’s crude oil is commercialized and stored in this region. Our new local crude oil testing laboratory enables faster turnaround times (TAT), reduces sample transportation costs and improves overall service quality for operators, traders and terminal stakeholders.

Faster decision-making with local crude oil testing capabilities

Previously, critical crude oil analyses, such as sulfur content and BS&W, required samples to be transported to laboratories located up to 700 kilometers away.

Our new facility enables customers to complete analyses locally before vessel operations begin, providing earlier visibility into product quality through reliable crude oil testing.

This improved access to high-quality analysis supports:

• Optimized cargo planning and blending strategies 
• Reduced operational delays and associated risks
• Improved compliance and greater trading confidence

Comprehensive crude oil testing capabilities

Equipped with advanced instrumentation, our crude oil testing laboratory can perform a wide range of analyses in accordance with internationally recognized ASTM, ISO and UOP methods.
Our capabilities include:

• Sulfur, salts and mercury analysis 
• Water determination (distillation and Karl Fischer) and sediments 
• Density, API gravity and viscosity
• Vapor pressure, flash point, cloud point and pour point
• Total acid number (TAN) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
• Asphaltenes, ash, particulates and compatibility testing 

We also support marine fuel testing in line with ISO 8217 specifications, including Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), High Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Low Sulfur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO).

Strengthening our presence in Bahía Blanca

For more than 80 years, we have supported the agriculture, minerals and oil, gas and chemicals industries across Argentina. With the opening of the new crude oil testing laboratory, we continue to support clients involved in the growth and development of Vaca Muert – both through current export routes at Puerto Rosales and future developments such as Punta Colorada (VMOS project). Whether you are exploring, extracting, refining, transporting or trading hydrocarbons, we offer a comprehensive range of testing, inspection and certification services to support and optimize your operations.

By combining local expertise with our global network, we help you ensure product quality, reduce risk and operate with confidence.

Explore our oil, gas and chemicals testing services.

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).