The pipeline was constructed by Techint. Construction started in August 1999 and the pipeline became operational in July 2000.[1] It was inaugurated by presidents of Brazil and Argentina, Fernando Henrique Cardoso and Fernando de la Rúa on 18 August 2000 at Paso de los Libres.[2]
The pipeline length is 451 kilometres (280 mi), of which 25 kilometres (16 mi) is laid in Brazil. It has diameter of 24 inches (610 mm) and it has a capacity of 5.5 billion cubic meter of natural gas per year.[3] The pipeline cost US$250 million.
The pipeline supplies natural gas to a 600-MW power plant in Uruguaiana. There is a plan to extend the pipeline from Uruguaiana to Porto Alegre.[3]
The Argentine section is operated by Transportadora de Gas de Mercosur. This is a joint venture of Techint, Total S.A., Petronas, Compañia General de Combustibles, and CMS Energy. The Brazilian section is operated by Transportadora Sul Brasileira de Gas, a joint venture of Gaspetro (subsidiary of Petrobras), Petroleo Ipiranga, Repsol YPF, and Techint.[3]
