First LPG Tanker Docks At Enterprise Products’ New Terminal In Texas
A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker has arrived at Enterprise Products Partners' brand new terminal located along the Neches River in Texas, according to ship tracking data accessed on Wednesday. This marks the first tanker to dock at the facility for loading.
Energy analytics company Vortexa reported that the vessel's arrival signals the initiation of testing at the site. Enterprise, recognized as one of the largest producers and exporters of ethane in the U.S., is expanding its natural gas liquids (NGL) operations by constructing and upgrading facilities to meet the increasing global demand for ethane and propane.
In April, the company announced plans for a new terminal on the Neches River in Orange County, Texas. This facility is designed to load both ethane and propane for international exports. Ethane is primarily used in plastic production, while propane is commonly employed for heating and cooking.
The first phase of Enterprise's Neches River terminal boasts a nameplate capacity of 120,000 barrels per day, with loading capabilities reaching up to 45,000 barrels per hour. Operations for Phase 1 are expected to commence in the latter half of 2025.
Tracking systems from LSEG and Kpler confirmed that the gas tanker Navigator Eclipse docked at the Enterprise Beaumont terminal late Tuesday and was securely moored by Wednesday. According to Kpler's data, the Navigator Eclipse has exclusively been transporting ethane between the U.S. and China since May 2021. Analysts at Vortexa anticipate that the vessel will next head to Satellite Chemical’s import terminal in Lianyungang, China, carrying the commissioning shipment.
The commissioning phase of a terminal is crucial for testing and ensuring that all aspects of the facility operate correctly before it transitions to full commercial service. Additionally, Enterprise has plans for a second phase at the Neches River terminal. Once completed, Phase 2 will enhance the facility's capacity to load up to 180,000 barrels per day of ethane and 360,000 barrels per day of propane, or a combination of both. This phase is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2026.
Reference: Reuters
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