Enterprise to evaluate expansion of new Texas ethane-export terminal

Enterprise Products has executed an additional long-term contract to provide ethane storage, transportation, refrigeration and loading services from its new ethane export terminal that is currently under construction on the Houston Ship Channel, the company announced Thursday.

With this new agreement, Enterprise now has long-term commitments for approximately 85% of the capacity of the ethane terminal.

“This key addition to our customer base brings a significant increase in long-term capacity commitments, further supporting development of the world’s largest ethane export terminal,” said A.J. “Jim” Teague, chief operating officer of Enterprise’s general partner.

 “As a result of this agreement, we have commenced evaluation of expansion options at the new ethane terminal," he added. "The seamless integration of the new terminal with our existing natural gas liquids complex at Mont Belvieu and beyond will help ensure market access for the growing surplus of domestic ethane and facilitate continued development of the nation’s abundant energy reserves.”

Scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2016, Enterprise’s new ethane export terminal, to be located at its Morgan’s Point facility on the Houston Ship Channel, will have the capability to load fully refrigerated ethane at approximately 10,000 standard bbl/hour. 

An 18-mile, 24-inch diameter ethane pipeline will be constructed from Mont Belvieu to supply the export terminal.