First phase of Mariner East nears full operation near Delaware border

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(Click on map at left to enlarge)

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. announced  that Mariner East 1, the first pipeline in the larger Mariner East system, is now transporting both ethane and propane to the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex near the Delaware line.

The complex is approaching full operation as it completes loading of the first waterborne ethane shipment.

Mariner East 1 is the first phase of  the  Mariner East project at the former oil refinery. Costs of the projects are estimated in the billions of dollars. The project replaced an existing pipeline.

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Wilmington-based EDiS constructed buildings on the Marcus Hooke site as part of the project.

The Marcus Hook Industrial Complex is now positioned as the East Coast hub for processing and storing propane, ethane, and other natural gas liquids from the shale basins for distribution to local, domestic and international markets., a release stated.

The 70,000 barrels per day of ethane and propane capacity for Mariner East 1 is available for both intrastate and interstate service.

Mariner East 1, originating in Washington County, southwest of Pittsburgh, began shipping propane in December 2014, serving local and regional propane shippers as well as the international market. Ethane shipments got under way last month, and the first tanker carrying ethane to Europe departed from Marcus Hook last week

Mariner East 2, an expansion of the Mariner East system with origin points in Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, will add additional points for propane shippers in central and eastern Pennsylvania. Construction has been temporarily delayed, due to permitting issues. The pipeline has also drawn opposition from landowners, Philly.com reported.

Mariner East 2  is expected to be completed in the first half of 2017 and will add capacity of approximately 275,000 barrels per day of natural gas liquids, primarily propane and butane, from both the Marcellus and Utica shales.

Mariner East 2  also   has the potential to expand to 450,000 barrels per day.

“Mariner East 1 is an important milestone for the natural gas and manufacturing industry in Pennsylvania. As expanded by Mariner East 2, this service will create access to new and existing markets, provide reliable, cost-effective heating fuel for homes and businesses, and supply the raw materials that will lead to new manufacturing opportunities and growth,” said Michael J. Hennigan, Sunoco Logistics’ president and chief executive officer. “Mariner East 1 is the starting point; Mariner East 2 presents the opportunity to realize fully those benefits.”

Gene Taylor, Mayor of the Borough of Marcus Hook, said: “Today’s announcement is another step in the ongoing rebirth of Marcus Hook, whose heritage is tied to this facility. Our history and identity has always been an energy town; now our future is, too.”

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