Tri-Gas & Oil Terminal Completed by Superior Energy Systems

Superior Energy Systems (Columbia Station, Ohio) has completed its most recent propane terminal build for Tri Gas & Oil Co. Inc. (Federalsburg, Md.), which will operate under its affiliate, Mid-Atlantic Rail Services (MARS). Superior led all efforts in the design, engineering, permitting, construction, startup, and commissioning of the new Baltimore facility.

Family-owned Tri Gas & Oil offers energy solutions to both residential and commercial customers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. “Superior exceeded our expectations with this terminal build,” said Keith McMahan, Tri Gas & Oil chairman and CEO. “From the initial design phase to commissioning, the Superior team focused on quality, efficiency, and customer service at every step. Now we can provide an additional midstream source of propane to our growing community. Mid-Atlantic Rail Services will serve the region with a reliable source of propane by providing destination-delivered supply or railcar throughput arrangements.

The new terminal, served by the Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads, will initially provide 120,000 gallons of propane storage, along with a four-position rail rack and two truck-loading racks. Double-acting compressors quickly unload and recover vapor from railcars. Turbine pumps allow for loading rates of 550 gallons a minute, with the capability to load up to six trucks an hour at an average rate of 18 minutes a truck.

“Local daily switching service from the Canton Railroad provides up to three switches a day in the peak of winter,” said Andy Ronald, NGL consultant with JAR Consulting LLC. “This translates to product delivered into as many as 36 trucks per day when it is needed most.”

Located just north of Baltimore Harbor off Highway 95, the terminal allows trucks access to bulk propane product. Fuel transport trucks in Maryland are prohibited from entering the tunnel system, typically traveling over bridges instead. The location of the Mid-Atlantic Rail Services terminal allows for the use of the Francis Scott Key Bridge when traveling from south of Baltimore.

The Canton Railroad, a Class III switching and terminal railroad in Baltimore County, operates the terminal. Superior Energy led design efforts to extend the railway siding to create adequate space for the terminal. “The new MARS terminal is an example of how Superior strategically builds efficient, safe, and fully automated terminals that play a crucial role in delivering fuel to underserved markets,” said Derek Rimko, vice president of operations at Super Energy Systems. “Our excellence in engineering quality and design, combined with our commitment to customer service, continue to set us apart in the midstream market.”

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, April 22, 2019)