EPP begins full service on Midland-to-Sealy crude line

Enterprise Products Partners LP reported that its 416-mile Midland-to-Sealy pipeline is in full service with an expanded capacity of 540,000 b/d and capable of transporting batched grades of crude oil and condensate (OGJ Online, May 1, 2015). With the completion of incremental tankage, as well as other enhancements, the pipeline has an expected capacity of 575,000 b/d, which is expected to come online in May and is fully subscribed under long-term contracts.

At its terminus in Sealy, Tex., the pipeline connects directly to EPP’s 36-in. Rancho II crude oil pipeline, which extends to the company’s 7.4-million bbl ECHO crude oil terminal in southeast Houston (OGJ Online, Sept. 22, 2015). The completion allows Permian basin producers to deliver multiple grades of crude oil to the Gulf Coast, including West Texas Intermediate, Light West Texas Intermediate, West Texas Sour, and Condensate.

Supporting the company’s Permian basin solution is an aggregation program that includes construction of a 143-mile pipeline system, which is expected to deliver more than 300,000 b/d of crude oil and condensate from the Delaware Basin into EPP’s Midland Terminal. The project is on schedule for completion in July and is supported by long-term commitments with shippers.

“With crude oil production from the Permian basin projected to grow by approximately 60% to more than 5 million b/d over the next 4 years, Enterprise’s pipeline system from Midland to Houston provides customers with much-needed flow assurance and market choices,” said A.J. Teague, chief executive officer of EPP’s general partner. “From our ECHO terminal, customers can access the major Gulf Coast refineries in the Houston, Texas City, and Beaumont-Port Arthur areas, which represent more than 4 million b/d of capacity, as well as Enterprise's extensive network of deepwater docks.”