Nustar to modify, expand South Texas pipelines as Valero seeks more Eagle Ford crude
NuStar Energy has entered into an agreement with Valero in which NuStar will modify existing sections within its South Texas pipeline system and build new sections to transport Eagle Ford and other crude oils.
These projects will help Valero improve transportation of crude and condensate to supply its refineries in Three Rivers, Texas, and Corpus Christi, Texas, the companies said.
NuStar will reverse an eight-inch refined products pipeline that currently runs from Corpus Christi to Three Rivers and will convert it to crude oil service.
The pipeline will provide capacity to transport Eagle Ford crude and condensate to Valero’s Corpus Christi refinery, and the line is expected to be in full service by the end of September 2011.
NuStar will also build 55 miles of new 12-inch pipeline that will connect to existing pipeline segments to move crude oil from Corpus Christi to Valero’s Three Rivers refinery.
This system is expected to be completed and in service by the second quarter of 2012.
“These projects are an important part of our ongoing strategy to increase our customers’ ability to move crude in South Texas," said Curt Anastasio, CEO of NuStar.
“With the growing production from the Eagle Ford region, NuStar is in the unique position to provide Valero and our other customers with quick transportation solutions given the fact that we have hundreds of miles of existing pipeline running from that region into Corpus Christi, where it can be refined or transported to other locations.”
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