Petroamazonas has set a goal to launch the bidding process in 2026 for the construction of a definitive variant of the Trans-Ecuadorian Oil Pipeline System (SOTE) and the Shushufindi-Quito pipeline. The public company has estimated that the overall investment needed for these infrastructure projects would be approximately $135 million. This budget includes the construction of a new pumping station, valued at $58.4 million for the SOTE variant, and $20.5 million for the variant of the pipeline, alongside costs for environmental sampling and expropriation payments.

These infrastructures have been persistently affected by the regressive erosion of the Quijos River, affecting the nearby Coca and Loco Rivers as well. This erosion began in 2020 after the collapse of the San Rafael waterfall, located on the border between the Amazonian provinces of Napo and Sucumbíos. This natural disaster has created significant challenges for the operation and maintenance of oil transportation infrastructure in the region, indicating the urgent need for upgrades and additional investment in new construction to ensure the safety and efficiency of crude transport.

The recent incident in July 2025, which halted crude transportation for more than 20 days, underscores the critical urgency of these infrastructural developments. The severe winter season exacerbated the erosion, highlighting vulnerabilities in Ecuador's oil transportation network. Addressing these issues will not only enhance the reliability of crude oil transportation but also serve to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events that threaten these crucial infrastructures in the future.