Blueknight Energy Partners LP (BKEP) and Advantage Pipeline LLC announced the startup of Phase I of the Pecos River Pipeline in west Texas.

BKEP has approximately 30% ownership and operates the pipeline under a long-term service agreement with Advantage. On September 17commercial service started on Phase I of the system consisting of the Highway 18 Station near Grandfalls, Texas and 36 miles of pipeline connecting to the Longhorn Pipeline in Crane, Texas. The 16" diameter pipeline and associated terminals addresses the vital need for increased transportation capacity capable of efficiently transporting crude to Gulf Coast markets from the active west Texas producing region.

Completion of Phase II is expected before year end and will extend the pipeline an additional 29 miles to the west where it will capture produced volumes in Reeves, Culberson, Pecos and Ward counties.