Inter Pipeline Ltd., Calgary, reported plans to construct a $100-million crude oil pipeline connection between its Bow River and Central Alberta pipeline systems. The new line, called the Viking Connector, will link various grades of light crude from the Viking and Mannville formations in east-central Alberta to the Edmonton market hub.
“Producers in the Alberta Viking and surrounding plays are currently limited to pipeline services to the Hardisty hub or costly trucking alternatives,” said Christian Bayle, Inter Pipeline president and chief executive officer.
This latest investment is the second phase of a multi-phased development program for the Central Alberta pipeline system. This phase includes the construction of 75 km of 8-in. pipe that will connect Inter Pipeline’s Throne Station on the Bow River pipeline system to the Central Alberta pipeline system in the Stettler area. In addition, Inter Pipeline will complete upgrades to the Throne Station, which includes reconfiguring existing tank storage and expanding truck offloading capacity.
Construction, which will start immediately, is expected to be completed in first-half 2020.
When completed, Inter Pipeline forecasts throughput volume of 10,000-15,000 b/d on the Viking Connector, with one third of forecast shipments currently secured for a 10-year term.