Tesoro and Savage Companies plan to build a 120,000 b/d crude-by-rail unloading and marine loading facility in Vancouver, Washington. The facility will be a likely destination for crude from Western Canada and the Bakken. the marine loading facility will provide access to multiple refineries along the West Coast. The facility is expected to cost between $75 and $100 million, with an in service date of some time in 2014. Initial capacity will be 120,000 b/d, with expansion capability up to 280,000 b/d. Approximately 40,0000 b/d of Bakken crude is already moving to refineries in Washington.

This development means crude volumes moving west could grow to 160,000 b/d. The Bakken provides the perfect supply source for a project like this.

You can read more about oil prices received on the West Coast in the article Bakken Crude Can Get Premium Prices On the West Coast.

The initial lease agreement is for ten years with the Port of Vancouver. Savage will oversee the design, construction, and operation of the facility.

Read more in the press release at tsocorp.com