The twin line – which is estimated to cost approximately $US1.2 billion – will initially add approximately 450,000 bbl/d of capacity between these points, with low-cost expansion potential to 800,000 bbl/d. The line is expected to be capable of accepting initial volumes by early 2015, with its full initial capacity available by 2016.
The new line is designed to accommodate the need for additional capacity to serve Kirby area oil sands growth, beyond the expansion of the existing 30 inch diameter pipeline to its maximum capacity of 570,000 bbl/d which was announced in 2010. Transferring existing Kirby area volumes to the new 36 inch diameter pipeline from the existing 30 inch diameter pipeline will also free-up the latter to accommodate additional long-haul volumes originating from the Cheecham or Athabasca terminals further upstream on the Athabasca System.
“Twinning our Athabasca System south of Kirby represents a highly efficient solution to the needs we are seeing for additional long-haul and short-haul capacity into Hardisty, leveraging off the advantages of our existing asset base and right-of-way,” said Enbridge President – Liquids Pipelines Stephen Wuori.
“While anchored by the needs of our current connected projects, it is readily expandable to accommodate new projects which are also expected to require pipeline capacity beginning mid-decade. This project is a significant part of our overall plan to provide capacity for rapidly growing production from the Kirby area as well as from growth projects further north in the Athabasca region.”
