Shell completes Phase 2 of Ho-Ho crude pipeline reversal

Shell has completed Phase 2 of its project to reverse the flow direction of the Houma-to-Houston (Ho-Ho) Pipeline, with crude production from inland oil plays such as the Eagle Ford, Bakken, and other shales now able to flow from Texas to Louisiana on the line. Phase 1, which entered service in January, delivers crude from pipelines and terminals in East Houston to the Nederland-Port Neches area.

Phases 3 and 4 of the project will add pump stations near Houston and Port Neches to increase capacity of the Texas-to-Louisiana pipeline segments (20-in. and 22-in. OD) to about 250,000 b/d and 375,000 b/d, respectively. These capacities assume a medium crude type and standard batching. The final phases will be complete in early 2014.

Ho-Ho consists of more than 350 miles of pipeline between Houston and St. James-Clovelly, La.