Enterprise Signs Additional Ethane Export Agreement

Enterprise Products Partners LP said Nov. 9 it had executed an additional long-term contract to export ethane from its new terminal under construction at Morgan’s Point, Texas. With the additional volumes, Enterprise’s 200,000-bbld ethane export terminal is now about 90% contracted in terms of operating capacity.

“This agreement is a clear indication of the continued interest for U.S. ethane as a low-cost feedstock by the global petrochemical industry,” said A.J. (Jim) Teague, COO of Enterprise’s general partner. “We are in negotiations with other customers and expect the remaining capacity to be sold out when the facility begins service. Furthermore, increased supplies of domestic ethane should help encourage continued development of infrastructure in consuming areas abroad, as well as ongoing expansion of the fleet of transportation vessels.”

The export terminal, which is on schedule to commence operations in the third quarter of 2016, will have the capability to load fully refrigerated ethane at rates up to 10,000 bbl an hour. Supply for the new terminal, located along the Houston Ship Channel, will be sourced from Enterprise Products’ natural gas liquids fractionator and storage complex at Mont Belvieu and transported via a 24-in.-dia. pipeline currently under construction.