EPIC delivers first crude to Corpus Christi and Ingleside terminals

Midstream services operator EPIC Crude has started interim crude service using its 24in Y-Grade pipeline from Crane, Texas, US, to terminals in Corpus Christi and Ingleside.

As part of the interim crude service, EPIC will be capable of delivering 400 thousand barrels of oil per day (Mbbl/d) to various terminals and refiners in the Corpus Christi area.

EPIC noted that it will store 10% of the pipeline’s capacity for walk-up shippers during this period.

EPIC Crude CEO Phillip Mezey said: “Providing interim service adds much-needed takeaway capacity in the Permian Basin, which supports continued development and highlights the strategic value of our assets.

“I would like to thank our employees, customers and contractors that enabled EPIC to provide this service to our shippers and the basin.”

Construction on the company’s 30in permanent crude oil pipeline is currently in progress, with more than 50% already completed.

The company said that the project is expected to be delivered on budget and on-time by next January.

The crude oil pipeline will initially operate at a capacity of 600Mbbl/d, with throughput scheduled to increase in the first quarter of next year.

Once the pipeline is operational, EPIC will transition the Y-Grade Pipeline back to natural gas liquid (NGL) service in the first quarter of next year.

The first EPIC crude export dock is also expected to be operational before the end of this year and will load Aframax-sized vessels.

Construction of the company’s second crude export dock is also underway, which is expected to become operational during the second quarter of next year.

Upon completion of the second dock, EPIC will be capable of loading a Suezmax vessel from its waterborne terminal.