Transportation News

BAM Clough wins Wheatstone jetty project

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:04:00 GMT

The BAM International-Clough Ltd. engineering and construction joint venture was awarded a$400 million (Aus.) jetty design and construction contract from contractor Bechtel for the Wheatstone LNG project offshore Western Australia operated by Chevron Australia.

PHMSA closes record number of enforcement actions during 2011

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:04:00 GMT

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration resolved a record number of enforcement actions during 2011, the US Department of Transportation reported.

Sinochem to buy Total's Cusiana, pipeline interests

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Sinochem is buying Total SA’s Colombian subsidiary TEPMA BV, and the French company plans to maintain its exploration interests in Colombia.

Plains All American to build Mississippi Lime oil line

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:29:00 GMT

Plains All American Pipeline LP plans to build a 170-mile pipeline to service the increasing Mississippi Lime crude oil production in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas.

Crosstex Cajun-Sibon NGL pipeline extension project advances

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:09:00 GMT

Crosstex Energy LP has received sufficient long-term supply commitments to build its Cajun-Sibon extension, a 130-mile, 12-in. OD NGL pipeline.

Williams starts open season on Atlantic Access Transco expansion

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:27:00 GMT

Williams Partners LP is holding a binding open season until Apr. 2 for the remaining capacity on Atlantic Access, a proposed expansion of its Transco interstate natural gas pipeline.

Turkey: Gas storage field joint venture formed

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:24:00 GMT

Sky Harvest Windpower Corp., Vancouver, BC, said it has formed a joint venture under the name Levant Energy Inc., a British Columbia corporation, to develop underground natural gas storage fields in Turkey.

The pursuit of 'zero leaks'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

US President Barack Obama signed the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 into law Jan. 3, reauthorizing the Department of Transportation's existing pipeline safety programs through 2015 while also placing new requirements on both pipeline operators and regulators.

IMF: Cut in Iranian crude could boost prices 30%

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Global oil price could rise by as much as 30% if Iran halts oil exports as a result of sanctions by the US and the European Union, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund.

South Sudan to construct refinery, oil line to Kenya

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The government of South Sudan, faced with alleged obstructions by Sudan, announced plans to build a refinery and pipeline aimed at transporting recently discovered crude oil to an export terminal in Kenya.

Condensate trade will reshape crude, gas markets East of Suez

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Segregated condensate volumes produced east of the Suez Canal ("East of Suez") will only continue to grow in the near term, particularly among Mideast gulf countries and will reshape crude, oil product, and gas markets throughout the East of Suez region.

Global LNG 2012 and beyond must address many questions

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Already witness to a number of changes in recent years, the global LNG industry in 2012 is likely to see further changes as unconventional LNG export projects begin to come on line, new countries begin LNG imports, and new gas discoveries make export projects possible in new regions of the globe.

BP begins east-west crude pipeline shipments across Panama

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:45:00 GMT

BP Products North America Inc. has started shipping crude oil to the US West Coast through Petroterminal de Panama (PTP)’s 600,000 b/d trans-Panama pipeline.

Another Kitimat LNG project receives LNG export license

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:03:00 GMT

Plans to export Canadian-produced natural gas as LNG moved ahead Feb. 2 when Canada’s National Energy Board approved application by BC LNG Export Cooperative LLC for a license to export LNG from Kitimat, BC, mainly to Asian markets.

Tanzania Mnazi Bay hunt seeks larger gas supply

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:33:00 GMT

Maurel & Prom, Paris, has spudded the Ziwani-1 onshore exploratory well on the 756 sq km Mnazi Bay concession in the Rovuma basin in coastal Tanzania.

Holly Energy Partners reports oil pipeline leak

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:52:00 GMT

Holly Energy Partners reported a pipeline leak on its 6-in. crude oil pipeline in a Permian basin gathering system involving HEP’s Wood Station pump facility in West Texas.

CenterPoint begins routing for Mississippi Lime gathering system

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:34:00 GMT

CenterPoint Energy Field Services LLC (CEFS), an indirect, wholly owned natural gas gathering and treating subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy Inc., has begun initial routing activities for a proposed gas gathering and processing system in the Mississippi Lime area of north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas.

Kazakhstan: Tethys Aral rail terminal dedicated

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:40:00 GMT

Officials inaugurated the Aral oil storage and rail loading terminal in western Kazakhstan owned 50-50 by Tethys Petroleum Ltd. and its Kazakh oil trading partner’s company, Olisol Investment Ltd.

Watching Government: NGVs gain ground in some states

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) may not have much political appeal these days in Washington.

Watching the World: Tehran's impotence exposed

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Gulf Arabs are up in arms over attempts by Iran to drag them into its growing confrontation with the international community over nuclear weapons, as noted by one eminent Arab commentator.

BLM seeks comments on proposed Colorado gas pipeline

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:16:00 GMT

The US Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.’s proposed Pumba natural gas pipeline south of Rifle, Colo. Written comments for an environmental assessment which is being prepared will be accepted through Feb. 15.

South Sudan to construct refinery, oil pipeline to Kenya

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:54:00 GMT

Sinopec signs deal for higher stake in Australia Pacific LNG

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:06:00 GMT

China’s Sinopec has signed an agreement to add an additional 10% equity interest to its holdings in the Australia Pacific LNG Pty. Ltd. (APLNG) venture for a net consideration of $1.1 billion.

Defining energy security

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Energy security means different things in different places. In countries highly dependent on imported oil and gas, for example, concern about energy security tends to focus on supply.

Obama administration rejects Keystone XL permit application

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

US President Barack Obama’s administration rejected the cross-border permit for the proposed Keystone XL crude oil pipeline, saying that a deadline imposed by Congress does not give it time to properly determine if the proposed project is in the national interest in its current state.

EU poised to impose stricter sanctions on Iranian oil

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Denmark’s government expressed confidence that the European Union would impose harsher sanctions on the oil and banking sectors of Iran for its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Japan backs Iranian sanctions

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Japan’s Finance Minister Jun Azumi told US Sec. of the Treasury Timothy Geithner that his country would take “concrete steps” to reduce its oil dependency on Iran.

Simmons & Co.: US 2011 gas imports off; Japan to pull global LNG

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Preliminary data for 2011 have prompted Simmons & Co., Houston, to forecast US natural gas imports for the year will drop by 7% over 2010, a decline driven by fewer Canadian import and LNG cargoes.

Gazprom to start South Stream construction in 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:03:00 GMT

OAO Gazprom has decided to begin construction of the South Stream natural gas pipeline in December 2012, as opposed to 2013, as previously planned.

TransCanada mulls Bakken options while reapplying for Keystone XL

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:29:00 GMT

TransCanada Corp. is considering possibilities for moving Bakken shale crude south to the US Gulf Coast via a stand-alone system following the US rejection (OGJ Online, Jan. 18, 2012) of the company’s permit application for the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline.

Vantage gains NEB approval of ethane pipeline

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:12:00 GMT

Vantage Pipeline Canada ULC has received National Energy Board approval of its Vantage Pipeline Project ethane line. The $240 million project will carry 45,000 b/d of liquid ethane from Hess Corp.’s natural gas processing plant near Tioga, ND, through Saskatchewan to interconnect with the Alberta Ethane Gathering System (AEGS) near Empress, Alta., for use in Alberta’s petrochemical industry.

Williams, DCP to build Keathley Canyon Connector gas line

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

Williams Partners LP and DCP Midstream Partners LP plan to expand their Discovery natural gas gathering pipeline system in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico by building the Keathley Canyon Connector, a 215-mile, 20-in. OD subsea gas gathering pipeline for production from the Keathley Canyon, Walker Ridge, and Green Canyon areas.

Contract let for LNG terminal in India

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:54:00 GMT

Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. has let a contract to Foster Wheeler AG’s Global Engineering & Construction Group for work on an LNG terminal to be built at Ennore in Tamil Nadu, India (see map, OGJ, June 19, 2000, p. 62).

Inpex lets pipelay contract for Ichthys export line

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:24:00 GMT

Inpex Corp. has let a contract to Saipem for the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the gas export for the Ichthys LNG project’s gas export pipeline.

Obama administration rejects Keystone XL permit application

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:53:00 GMT

Expected Keystone XL permit rejection strongly criticized

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:20:00 GMT

An anticipated Obama administration decision on Jan. 18 denying the proposed Keystone XL crude oil pipeline’s cross-border permit application drew heavy fire from congressional Republicans and others who support the project. TransCanada Corp. will be allowed to submit a new application with an alternate route, according to reports.

Pembina Pipeline to buy Provident Energy

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Pembina Pipeline Corp. agreed to buy Provident Energy Ltd. for $3.2 billion (Can.) to acquire natural gas liquids assets and create one of Canada’s largest publicly traded pipeline companies in terms of market capitalization. Both companies are based in Calgary.

Watching The World: Iran woos Latin America

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Iran's oil diplomacy was in full swing last week, with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visiting several Latin American countries, led by his talks with Venezuela's leader Hugo Chavez.

EIA forecasts crude oil, gas demand increases through 2013

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Worldwide crude oil consumption will increase by 1.3 million b/d this year and by 1.5 million b/d in 2013, with the higher demand met by increased production both from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and from non-OPEC producers, the US Energy Information Administration said in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook.

Venezuela Perla gas sales pact signed, exports eyed

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

A Phase 1 final investment decision is the next step now that Eni, Repsol, and Petroleos de Venezuela SA have signed a gas sales agreement for commercial development of supergiant Perla gas-condensate field in the Gulf of Venezuela off Venezuela.

Simmons & Co.: US 2011 gas imports off; Japan to pull global LNG

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:44:00 GMT

Preliminary data for 2011 have prompted Simmons & Co., Houston, to forecast US natural gas imports for the year will drop by 7% over 2010, a decline driven by fewer Canadian import and LNG cargoes.

Inpex, Total make FID for Ichthys LNG project

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:27:00 GMT

Inpex and Total SA have made the final investment decision to proceed with their $34 billion development of the Ichthys LNG project in northwest Australia.

Trafigura, ETP to direct Eagle Ford liquids storage, transport

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:22:00 GMT

A Trafigura AG subsidiary acquired rail and dock terminals in Corpus Christi, Tex., and also announced an alliance with Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP) to jointly coordinate transportation and storage of crude oil and condensate for Eagle Ford shale producers.

Total lets contract for Kaombo pipeline off Angola

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:42:00 GMT

Engineering design for the pipeline system of Total SA’s Kaombo development on Block 32 offshore Angola will be performed by Jee. Jee will also perform specialist subsea and riser engineering on the project in 1,450-950 m of water.

Costar Midstream to acquire East Texas assets

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:15:00 GMT

Costar Midstream LLC, Dallas, has acquired over 500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, three cryogenic gas processing plants, and associated compression and treating assets in East Texas in a four-county area near Longview.

Understanding energy policy

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Another year, another rash of resolutions. But this reporter long ago gave up futile vows to lose weight and become a better person. Now I just hope to understand some of life's greatest puzzles.

US energy demand to stay weak in 2012 amid strong oil, gas production

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

US energy demand and economic activity in 2012 will gain some momentum from last year's doldrums, but growth for each will remain anemic.

Preliminary assessment of Arab Spring's impact on oil and gas in Egypt, Libya

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Popular movements toppled the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya in 2011, and these uprisings are likely to have short and long-term impact on these societies with global ramifications.

COMPRESSOR OPTIMIZATION—1: Energy recovery guides natural gas pipeline system efficiency

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Economic analyses demonstrate the operational benefits of using particular energy recovery and scrubber technologies on natural gas transmission systems.

Parnaiba Devonian shale gas output authorized

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:25:00 GMT

Brazil’s secretary of state for the environment and natural resources of Maranhao has issued a preliminary license for the development of production and transport of natural gas in Gaviao Real and Gaviao Azul fields in northeastern Brazil’s ParnaÃba basin.

Alaska governor, majors' executives discuss ANS gas

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell met with chief executives from BP PLC, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil Corp. in Anchorage to discuss commercializing the Alaska North Slope’s natural gas reserves.

Enbridge gets NEB approval for Bakken crude pipeline

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:07:00 GMT

Enbridge Bakken Pipeline Co. Inc. was granted approval from Canada’s National Energy Board for its Bakken Pipeline project’s Canada application, which outlines the construction and operation of a 123.4-km pipeline and a new pump station that will transport crude oil from Steelman, Sask., to Enterprise Pipeline Inc.’s Mainline in Cromer, Man.

EPP, Enbridge begin Seaway, ECHO oil pipeline open seasons

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:38:00 GMT

Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPP) and Enbridge Inc. are holding concurrent binding open seasons to solicit capacity commitments from shippers for an expansion of the Seaway crude oil pipeline and a new pipeline that will be built from EPP’s Houston-area ECHO terminal to Port Arthur, Tex.

Gas systems expansion part of Virginia governor's proposals

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:52:00 GMT

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell called for an expanded natural gas system as one of seven legislative proposals aimed at making the Old Dominion the Energy Capital of the East Coast.

Obama signs pipeline safety reauthorization bill

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:42:00 GMT

US President Barack Obama signed the pipeline safety reauthorization bill into law on Jan. 3. The law, which was developed in the wake of some significant oil and gas pipeline accidents, will not only help keep communities safer, but also provide operators regulatory certainty to run their systems more effectively, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said following the president’s action.

Venezuela Perla gas sales pact signed, exports eyed

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:55:00 GMT

EPP, Genesis to build offshore Gulf of Mexico crude pipeline

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:03:00 GMT

Southeast Keathley Canyon Pipeline Company LLC (Sekco), a 50-50 joint venture of Enterprise Products Partners LP and Genesis Energy LP, will build and own the 149-mile, 18-in. OD Sekco Oil Pipeline, serving the Lucius development in southern Keathley Canyon.

EPP to build ATEX Express Marcellus-Utica NGL pipeline

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:43:00 GMT

Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPP) received sufficient transportation commitments to support development of its 1,230-mile Appalachia-to-Texas pipeline (ATEX Express), delivering ethane production from the Marcellus-Utica shale areas of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio to the US Gulf Coast.

EPRINC: US oil product export ban would raise costs

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Proposals to ban US petroleum product exports to ensure ample domestic supplies would raise costs for domestic consumers, the Energy Policy Research Institute (EPRINC) warned in a Dec. 21 briefing memorandum.

Nebraska DEQ relays Sandhills data to TransCanada

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:54:00 GMT

Nebraska’s Department of Environmental Quality said on Dec. 29 that it has identified areas it considers part of the Sandhills region, and has forwarded the information to TransCanada Corp. as the company selects a new route for its proposed Keystone XL crude oil pipeline across the state.

Russia to build South Stream gas pipeline via Turkey

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:51:00 GMT

Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin expressed thanks to the government of Turkey for granting permission to OAO Gazprom for the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline in Turkish waters of the Black Sea.

Chesapeake Midstream Partners to buy Marcellus shale gathering lines

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:40:00 GMT

Chesapeake Midstream Partners LP (CMP) agreed to acquire Appalachia Midstream Services LLC (AMS), a Chesapeake Energy Corp. subsidiary, for $865 million. The transaction provides CMP with a 47% stake in 200 miles of gathering pipelines in the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania.

Williams to buy gathering system in Marcellus shale

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:38:00 GMT

Williams Partners LP, Tulsa, reported it will acquire the Laser Northeast Gathering System and other midstream businesses from Delphi Midstream Partners LLC, a unit of American Securities LLC, and management, for about $750 million.

Deloitte: Assumed US LNG export volumes could boost gas prices

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

If the US were to export 6 bcfd of LNG in the future, a world gas model developed by Deloitte MarketPoint LLC estimates a weighted-average price impact of 12Â¢/MMbtu on US prices during 2016-35, Deloitte LLP announced Dec. 15 at its annual oil and gas conference in Houston.

Colonial Pipeline to add 100,000 b/d gasoline capacity

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:20:00 GMT

Colonial Pipeline Co. has approved a 100,000 b/d expansion of Colonial’s main gasoline pipeline, originating in Houston and connecting Gulf Coast refineries with markets across Colonial’s system. Colonial will add the capacity to its Line 01 during first-quarter 2013.

Contract let for Kinneil degasification work

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:59:00 GMT

BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd. has let a contract to a unit of Foster Wheeler AG’s Global Engineering & Construction Group for work related to the debottlenecking of the Forties Pipeline System crude degasification facilities at BP Exploration’s Kinneil Terminal in Scotland.

Crestwood to build Marcellus natural gas gathering system

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:44:00 GMT

Crestwood Midstream Partners LP signed a memorandum of understanding with Mountaineer Keystone LLC (MK) to build a 42-mile, 16-in. OD Tygart Valley Pipeline natural gas gathering system, serving MK’s Marcellus shale development program in Northeast West Virginia.

Cheniere developing more gulf liquefaction in Corpus Christi

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:02:00 GMT

Cheniere Energy Inc., which already is working to install natural gas liquefaction adjacent its Cameron Parrish, La., terminal, has announced its subsidiary Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC is developing LNG export capabilities at one of Cheniere's existing sites previously permitted for regasification.

Senate passes tax cut extension with Keystone XL provision

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:44:00 GMT

The US Senate approved a bill that would extend the payroll tax cut into 2012 on Dec. 17 in a rare Saturday session, but with a provision that would require US President Barack Obama to act on the Keystone XL pipeline project’s cross-border permit application within 60 days of enactment.

OGJ Newsletter

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

International news for oil and gas professionals

Tighter sanctions on Iran could cost Eni 'billions'

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Eni SPA Chief Executive Officer Paolo Scaroni said tighter sanction on Iran could cost the Italian firm as much as $2 billion in crude oil owed to it by National Iranian Oil Co.

BLM decision amends Ruby Pipeline's right-of-way

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:09:00 GMT

The US Bureau of Land Management signed a decision amending the Ruby Pipeline Project’s right-of-way on Dec. 7, BLM’s Reno, Nev., field office announced on Dec. 13.

BLM seeks comments on Kokopelli pipeline's second phase

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:28:00 GMT

The US Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on a proposed natural gas pipeline south of Rifle, Colo. Bargath LLC proposed constructing a buried line to gather gas from east of lower Divide Creek and move it to processing facilities in Parachute, BLM’s Silt, Colo., field office said in a Dec. 8 notice.

Deloitte: Assumed US LNG export volumes could boost gas prices

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:08:00 GMT

Senate quickly follows House, passes pipeline safety bill

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:18:00 GMT

The US Senate moved quickly and unanimously approved federal pipeline safety legislation on Dec. 13 that the US House had passed by voice vote the previous day (OGJ Online, Dec. 13, 2011).

TexStar launches open season for Eagle Ford-to-Corpus Christi oil line

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:54:00 GMT

TexStar Midstream Services has launched a binding open season for its TexStar Crude Oil Pipeline LP, transporting Eagle Ford shale crude oil and condensate from various points in Frio, LaSalle, McMullen, and Live Oak counties, Tex., to NuStar’s North Beach Terminal in Corpus Christi.

US House unanimously passes federal pipeline safety legislation

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:43:00 GMT

The US House unanimously approved federal pipeline legislation on Dec. 12 that would reauthorize and strengthen pipeline safety programs through the 2015 fiscal year, improve enforcement of current laws and fill legal gaps where necessary, and address National Transportation Safety Board recommendations from recent incidents.

GAIL India signs 20-year Sabine Pass LNG deal with Cheniere

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:07:00 GMT

GAIL (India) Ltd. signed a 20-year sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, a unit of Cheniere Energy Partners, for the supply of 3.5 million tonnes/year of LNG.

West Virginia: Magnum Hunter, Stone eye Marcellus

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:32:00 GMT

Magnum Hunter Resources Corp. and Stone Energy Corp. signed joint development and joint operating agreements covering an existing mineral leasehold position owned by both companies in Wetzel County, W.Va.

Baker: China poised to become world's largest LNG importer

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

China became a price setter on the iron ore market within the last 3 years, and China could become a future price setter for natural gas, Edward L. Morse, managing director of commodities research at Citigroup Global Markets Inc., told an energy conference at Rice University's Baker Institute.

Plains All American to convert Oklahoma LPG line to crude service

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:59:00 GMT

Plains All American Pipeline LP is converting an existing Oklahoma liquefied petroleum gas pipeline to crude oil service. The pipeline, which extends from Medford, Okla., to PAA's oil terminal in Cushing, will provide initial throughput of 12,000 b/d of oil by January 2012 and will be expanded to 25,000 b/d by July 2012.

WPC20: US LNG exports to have little effect on Europe

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:44:00 GMT

LNG exports from the US—if and when they happen—based on surplus natural gas from shale development will have little if any effect on the European gas supply scene. That’s according to E.On Energy Trading Chairman Klaus Schafer in comments to Oil & Gas Journal made on the final day of the 20th World Petroleum Congress in Doha.

Obama vows to fight effort to link Keystone XL, payroll tax cut

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:55:00 GMT

US President Barack Obama promised to block any effort to include a Keystone XL pipeline project approval provision in legislation to extend the payroll tax cut, which is due to expire at yearend.

Enbridge to expand Bakken shale crude rail terminal

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:14:00 GMT

Enbridge Energy Partners LP (EEP) will expand its Berthold rail terminal capacity in the Bakken shale by 80,000 b/d and include a rail car loading facility to accommodate the additional volume.

US House bill would move Keystone XL permit decision to FERC

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:44:00 GMT

US House Republicans joined their Senate colleagues on Dec. 2 in urging US President Barack Obama to reverse his Nov. 11 decision to delay acting on TransCanada Corp.’s cross-border permit application for the project until after the 2012 elections.

Baker: China poised to become world's largest LNG importer

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:37:00 GMT

Watching the World: Biofuels' fuel hunger

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Biofuels, touted as one of the great competitors to the oil and gas industry, are coming under international criticism for adversely affecting world food supplies.

Independent recycle valves improve gas compressor turndown ratios

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Installing a recycle valve in parallel with the antisurge valve of a turbine-driven multistage (low pressure/high pressure) centrifugal compressor, in combination with control system modifications, increases the compressor's turndown ratio.

Watching Government: EIA cites Iran potential, obstacles

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

International sanctions and an unfavorable investment climate continue to limit Iran's development of its considerable oil and gas resources, the US Energy Information Administration said in a country analysis on Nov. 21.

Senate GOP bill prods Obama to reverse Keystone XL delay

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:22:00 GMT

US Senate Republicans introduced legislation that would deem the proposed Keystone XL crude oil pipeline federally approved 60 days after enactment if the Obama administration did not act. But several said they would rather see US President Barack Obama reverse his Nov. 11 decision to delay acting on TransCanada Inc.’s cross-border permit application for the project until after the 2012 elections.

BP sees two pipeline choices from Shah Deniz

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:43:00 GMT

BP PLC said two alternative pipeline projects are under consideration for the transport of natural gas from its giant Shah Deniz field in the wake of recent agreements signed by Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Petronet board approves additional capacity at Kochi

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:02:00 GMT

Regasification capacity at Petronet LNG Ltd.’s Kochi LNG terminal has been approved for expansion to 5 million tonnes/year from the originally planned 2.5 million tpy, the company reported.

Potential oil, products exports drive Texas Gulf Coast terminal projects

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, Oiltanking Partners LP, and GT Logistics LLC (GTL) all announced new liquids terminal projects on the Texas Gulf Coast, with GTL explicitly citing possible crude oil exports in describing its facility.

EAGC2011: Europe's gas industry struggles to secure supply, rational regulation

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Regulatory and supply uncertainties continue to plague Europe's natural gas industry, as made clear by presentations and discussion Nov. 15 at the opening of the annual European Autumn Gas Conference in Paris.

Turkey to end joint oil exploration in Syria

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Turkey, alarmed by attacks on its diplomatic missions in Damascus and other cities in neighboring Syria, has cancelled plans for oil exploration in the Middle Eastern country.

Ryckman Creek lets contract for Opal gas storage project

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Ryckman Creek Resources LLC, a subsidiary of Peregrine Midstream Partners LLC, let a contract for the project management support of the 35-bcf Ryckman Creek natural gas storage facility to Foster Wheeler Upstream.

El Paso investigating Mississippi gas pipeline explosion

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:41:00 GMT

Investigation is ongoing regarding a natural gas release and fire on El Paso Corp.’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline in Panola County, Miss., near Batesville, the evening of Nov. 21.

Cooper basin Western Flank oil line back in service

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:02:00 GMT

Santos Ltd. has returned its Tantanna to Gidgealpa crude oil pipeline in Australia’s Cooper basin to service at 5,500 b/d of throughput, reported Beach Energy Ltd., Adelaide.

Senate committee ponders risks, benefits of LNG exports

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Abundant shale gas resources in the US that have turned the natural gas supply outlook from a shortage to a surplus also are stimulating proposals to export—instead of import—LNG.

Cushing MarketLink oil pipeline moving forward; Wrangler under evaluation

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:56:00 GMT

TransCanada Corp. still plans to build its Cushing MarketLink crude oil pipeline between Cushing, Okla., and the Texas Gulf Coast, despite plans to reverse the Seaway pipeline to deliver crude along a similar route. Enbridge (US) Inc. and Enterprise Products Partners LP, meanwhile, are evaluating plans for the 800,000 b/d newbuild Wrangler pipeline in the wake of the reversal decision.