Shell Pipeline has received an encouraging response to its non-binding solicitation of interest period for firm capacity on its proposed Westward Ho pipeline project. Shippers made an indicative response in support of the 30in pipeline to be built from St. James, LA to the Port Neches / Nederland, TX area. Based on the positive response, Shell Pipeline intends to seek binding firm capacity commitments from shippers through an open season in early 2012. If approved, Shell Pipeline’s Westward Ho project would increase access to the expected increased domestic production and foreign crude available at St. James, LA. The Westward Ho would also complement the new storage and logistics infrastructure that is currently being built in the St. James and Clovelly, LA areas. The project could enable the distribution of around 600,000bbls per day of crude across the region depending upon crude types shipped. The company estimates that the expansion could be completed and commissioned by early 2015.
