Enterprise Products Partners L.P. began a binding open commitment period in early Sept. of 2014 to determine shipper demand for capacity on a proposed new pipeline from the Williston Basin of North Dakota to the Cushing hub in Oklahoma. The 30-inch diameter, 1200-mile pipeline is expected to have an initial capacity of approximately 340,000 b/d of crude oil, expandable to more than 700,000 .

Company officials say the Bakken-to-Cushing pipeline would also serve the Powder River and Denver-Julesburg (“DJ”) Basins, and have the capability to transport up to six grades of crude oil and products, including Rockies Condensate and Processed Condensate. Subject to sufficient customer commitments, the pipeline is expected to begin service in stages, starting with the DJ-to-Cushing portion in the fourth quarter of 2016, and should be fully operational by the third quarter of 2017.

“This pipeline offers a reliable, safe, and economical solution that promotes continued development of some of our nation’s most prolific producing areas and reduces the need for imports of crude oil,” said A.J. “Jim” Teague, EVP and COO of Enterprise’s general partner. “By leveraging the capabilities of our existing midstream network, the Bakken-to-Cushing pipeline would provide flow assurance and market choice. At Cushing, shippers would have access to one of the most liquid crude oil trading hubs in the world, as well as a comprehensive network of storage and pipelines serving the U.S. Gulf Coast refining complex and waterborne transportation options.”

Read more at enterpriseproducts.com