By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 6 -- Enbridge Inc. delivered the first crude from oil sands in western Canada to Cushing, Okla., through its Spearhead Pipeline on Mar. 2.
The oil entered the Enbridge mainline system at Edmonton, Alta., and traveled 1,565 miles to Chicago before entering the Spearhead Pipeline and traveling 650 miles to Cushing.
Enbridge expects throughput to reach Spearhead's 125,000 b/d initial capacity rapidly and plans to expand capacity soon to as much as 190,000 b/d through increases in pumping power. Looping the system could add 100,000 b/d later. First deliveries took place at a rate of 80,000 b/d.
Enbridge bought a 90% stake in the Cushing-to-Chicago Pipeline System from BP Pipelines North America Inc. in 2003 with the intent of reversing its flow.
Enbridge is studying the possibility of further extending the system to the Gulf Coast.
