By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Aug. 29 -- Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP unit Kinder Morgan Canada has started construction on the $443 million (Can.) Anchor Loop project—the second phase of the Trans Mountain pipeline system expansion. Kinder Morgan received Canadian regulatory approval for the loop project last year (OGJ Online, Oct. 30, 2006).
The expansion, which will increase Trans Mountain's capacity to 300,000 b/d from 260,000 b/d, is expected to be completed in November 2008.
Trans Mountain transports oil and products from Edmonton, Alta., to marketing terminals and refineries in British Columbia and Washington state. Earlier this year Kinder Morgan Canada commissioned 11 new pump stations, which boosted capacity on Trans Mountain to 260,000 b/d from 225,000 b/d. The pipeline has been operating at capacity since then.
The project entails looping 158 km of the Trans Mountain system through rugged terrain in Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park.
Kinder Morgan Canada also continues to have discussions with customers for the next expansion phase (TMX-2) of the Trans Mountain pipeline system.