Oneok to build Bakken-to-Cushing crude oil pipeline

April 9, 2012
Oneok Partners LP plans to invest $1.5-1.8 billion between now and 2015 to build a 1,300-mile, 200,000 b/d crude oil pipeline—the Bakken Crude Express Pipeline—between the Bakken shale and Cushing, Okla.

Oneok Partners LP plans to invest $1.5-1.8 billion between now and 2015 to build a 1,300-mile, 200,000 b/d crude oil pipeline—the Bakken Crude Express Pipeline—between the Bakken shale and Cushing, Okla. The company described supply commitments for the proposed pipeline as in various stages of negotiation.

Following receipt of all necessary permits and regulatory approvals, Oneok expects building to begin late-2013 or early-2014 for early-2015 completion. Capacity can be increased if supply commitments warrant. Oneok notes that the proposed pipeline route will also be well-positioned to transport crude production from the Niobrara shale.

Oneok expects the proposed pipeline to parallel more than 80% of the partnership's existing and planned NGL. The partnership previously announced $2.8-3.5 billion of investments through 2014 in growth projects, including $1.6-2 billion in projects related to the Bakken shale: the 500-mile NGL pipeline, the Bakken Pipeline; a 270-mile natural gas gathering system and related infrastructure in Divide County, ND (OGJ Online, Apr. 4, 2012); and three 100 MMcfd natural gas processing facilities—Garden Creek plant, Stateline I plant, and Stateline II plant—and related systems. The Garden Creek plant went into service in December 2011.

Oneok said it also has a $1 billion-plus backlog of unannounced growth projects that will be announced when sufficient supply commitments are completed.

Enbridge Inc. and Enterprise Products Partners LP are expanding the flow of the Seaway pipeline between Cushing and the Texas Gulf Coast (OGJ Online, Mar. 27, 2012), while TransCanada is proceeding with a stand-alone Cushing-to-Gulf Coast crude pipeline (OGJ Online, Feb. 27, 2012).

Contact Christopher E. Smith at [email protected].