Enterprise Begins Exports From Beaumont Terminal

Enterprise Products Partners LP (Houston) has begun exports of refined products from its reactivated marine terminal in Beaumont, Texas. Located on the Neches River, the terminal can load at rates up to 15,000 bbl/hr. The facility includes a dock with a 40-ft draft that can accommodate Panamax-size vessels that have a capacity of up to 400,000 bbl.

Enterprise notes that the terminal has access to more than 12 MMbbl of refined products storage and receives products from eight refineries, representing about 3.3 MMbbld of capacity, as well as being fed by the Colonial Pipeline. Improvements and modifications required to resume operations at Beaumont, which included dredging, new pipeline construction, and installation of new loading arms and vapor recovery systems, are supported by shipper commitments.

Future plans for the Beaumont refined products terminal include the addition of a second dock and significant on-site storage for blending components. With its strategic location and enhanced capabilities, Enterprise comments that the Beaumont marine terminal provides greater options for customers, allowing them to capture added value from the evolving fundamentals of the domestic and international refined products markets.

“A dramatic increase in domestic crude oil production, driven by the shale revolution, combined with lower domestic demand for motor gasoline and expanded refining capacity along the Gulf Coast, has transformed the U.S. into a net exporter of refined products in less than seven years,” said A.J. (Jim) Teague, COO of Enterprise’s general partner. “By converting our Beaumont marine terminal, we are able to provide shippers with a more timely solution that further strengthens the Gulf Coast region as the primary gateway for refined products exports. Utilizing existing assets also reflects Enterprise’s commitment to the efficient use of capital.”