Shell Pipeline has received a very encouraging response to its non-binding solicitation of interest period for firm capacity on its proposed Westward Ho pipeline project. The indicative response from shippers supports a 30-inch pipeline build from St. James, LA to the Port Neches/Nederland, TX area. Based on the favorable response, Shell Pipeline plans to seek binding firm capacity commitments from shippers for the project through an open season in early 2012.

Shell Pipeline’s Westward Ho project would enhance access for US Gulf of Mexico refiners to the anticipated increased domestic production and foreign crude available at St. James, LA. Additionally, the Westward Ho would complement the new storage and logistics infrastructure that is currently being built in the St. James and Clovelly, LA areas.

The Westward Ho could enable the distribution of approximately 600,000 bbls per day of crude across the region depending upon crudes types shipped. SPLC estimates that the expansion could be completed and commissioned by early 2015.