FERC approves connection of Maritimes, Algonquin pipelines

The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the Maritimes Phase III and Algonquin HubLine gas pipeline projects.

Jan. 3, 2002

2 min read

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Jan. 3 -- The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the Maritimes Phase III and Algonquin HubLine gas pipeline projects.

The Phase III and HubLine projects, which are still subject to other federal and state permitting, would connect the 650-mile Maritimes pipeline with the 1,000-mile Algonquin system to move gas from off eastern Canada to the northeastern US (OGJ Online, Oct. 13, 2000).

FERC recently issued a positive final environmental impact statement for the two pipelines (OGJ Online, Nov. 30, 2001).

Joint venture Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline LLC would extend the existing Maritimes system with 25 miles of 30-in. line from Methuen, Mass., to Beverly, Mass., where it would connect with Algonquin Gas Transmission Co.'s HubLine project.

Algonquin, a Boston-based unit of Duke Energy Gas Transmission, would build the HubLine project, a 30-mile, 24-in. offshore gas line extending from Beverly to Weymouth, Mass. The project also includes 5 miles of 16-in. offshore lateral.

"These projects will serve to ease the Northeast's growing energy needs by delivering more high-pressure natural gas from offshore Atlantic Canada to power plants and local distribution companies," said Tom O'Connor, president of M&N Management Co., the managing member of Maritimes.

Maritimes is owned by affiliates of Duke Energy Corp. 37.5%; Westcoast Energy Inc. 37.5%; ExxonMobil Corp. 12.5%; and Emera Inc. 12.5%.