Shell Pipeline Company Thursday confirmed it is considering reversing its 325,000 b/d Houma-to-Houston crude pipeline system.
The 22-inch line carries crude from Houma, Louisiana, to Houston, Texas. The Houma terminal receives crude from the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, the Poseidon pipeline, the Eugene Island pipeline, the Delta-Lafitte line, the Paradise line and the Cocodrie line. The terminal also has marine dock facilities.
Shell, in a statement dated August 3, said the reversal would provide access to crude production in Texas and the Midwest, including crude produced from the Eagle Ford and Bakken shale plays.
"The Ho-Ho reversal could enable the distribution of approximately 300,000 b/d of crude across the region depending upon crudes types shipped," Shell said.
Pending shipper commitments and regulatory approval, the reversed line is expected to begin operations in early 2013.
Shell also said it is determining market interest for a new pipeline from Louisiana to Beaumont and Port Arthur, in Texas.
