Tanker Carrying First Ethane Cargo From U.S. To Europe

Sunoco Logistics reported that the first tanker carrying Marcellus Shale ethane to Europe from the U.S. was loaded at its Marcus Hook Industrial Complex.

The tanker, JS Ineos Intrepid, departed on March 9 to Norway, carrying 173,000 barrels of ethane.

Mariner East pipeline is transporting ethane from Western Pennsylvania to Marcus Hook. Mariner East 1, the first phase of the Mariner East project, is nearing completion, and will provide the 70,000 barrels per day of ethane and propane for both intrastate and interstate service.

Sunoco said that the second phase of the project, Mariner East 2, will add additional off-take points for propane shippers in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. The pipeline, set to be completed in the first half of 2017, will add about 275,000 barrels per day of natural gas liquids, primarily propane and butane, from both the Marcellus and Utica shales. It will provide both interstate service and intrastate service within Pennsylvania.

“Mariner East 1 is an important milestone for the natural gas and manufacturing industry in Pennsylvania. As expanded by Mariner East 2, this service will create access to new and existing markets, provide reliable, cost-effective heating fuel for homes and businesses, and supply the raw materials that will lead to new manufacturing opportunities and growth,” Sunoco Logistics President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Hennigan said in a statement.

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