Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: EPD) on Sept. 10 announced that construction is under way to increase loading capacity for LPG, primarily propane and butane, at the Enterprise Hydrocarbon Terminal (EHT) by 175,000 barrels per day (bbl/d), or approximately 5 million barrels (MMbbl) per month.
The expansion will bring total LPG export capacity at EHT to 720,000 bbl/d, or approximately 21 MMbbl per month.
Upon completion of this expansion project, EHT will have the capability to load as many as six Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) vessels simultaneously, while maintaining the option to switch between propane and butane loadings. Once operational, the expansion will allow EHT to load a single VLGC in less than 24 hours, creating greater efficiencies and cost savings for customers. The incremental capacity is expected to be available in the second half of 2019.
“Enterprise is already the largest exporter of propane in the world and this expansion project will increase our ability to export LPGs from the EHT facility by another 30% with nominal capital investment,” said A.J. “Jim” Teague, CEO of Enterprise’s general partner. “Domestic production of hydrocarbons continues to exceed expectations and U.S. demand. U.S. LPG production currently exceeds U.S. demand by over one million barrels per day and domestic export terminals are approaching full utilization.
“We estimate that U.S. LPG production could increase by up to an additional 1.5 million barrels per day by 2025. Without access to international markets, excess LPG supplies would lead to a curtailment in U.S. crude oil and natural gas production growth. Marine terminal expansions like ours will be essential to balancing the market and meeting growing global demand for U.S. hydrocarbons.”
Recommended Reading
Exxon’s Payara Hits 220,000 bbl/d Ceiling in Just Three Months
2024-02-05 - ExxonMobil Corp.’s third development offshore Guyana in the Stabroek Block — the Payara project— reached its nameplate production capacity of 220,000 bbl/d in January 2024, less than three months after commencing production and ahead of schedule.
Venture Global, Grain LNG Ink Deal to Provide LNG to UK
2024-02-05 - Under the agreement, Venture Global will have the ability to access 3 million tonnes per annum of LNG storage and regasification capacity at the Isle of Grain LNG terminal.
What's Affecting Oil Prices This Week? (Feb. 5, 2024)
2024-02-05 - Stratas Advisors says the U.S.’ response (so far) to the recent attack on U.S. troops has been measured without direct confrontation of Iran, which reduces the possibility of oil flows being disrupted.
McKinsey: US Output Hinges on E&P Capital Discipline, Permian Well Trends
2024-02-07 - U.S. oil production reached record levels to close out 2023. But the future of U.S. output hinges on E&P capital discipline and well-productivity trends in the Permian Basin, according to McKinsey & Co.
EIA: Oil Prices Could Move Up as Global Tensions Threaten Crude Supply
2024-02-07 - Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and ongoing risks that threaten global supply have experts questioning where oil prices will move next.