Pipeline would transport NGLs to NJ site

Staff report

Starting Wednesday, Sunoco Logistics is soliciting commitments from shippers for a pipeline that would transport natural-gas liquids from processing facilities near the Marcellus and Utica shale regions to the company’s Marcus Hook Industrial Complex in New Jersey.

The Mariner East 2 project would involve constructing new pipelines and converting ones already in place to carry NGLs, hydrocarbons that are separated from natural gas in the form of liquids.

The project would span about 300 to 400 miles, from production sites in eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia to the 800-acre Sunoco facility near the Delaware River.

The company announced Wednesday the start of a binding open season, which will gauge if there is a market for the project.

“We are proceeding with the open season as we have received considerable market interest to develop this project to provide producers with several marketing options for their expanding production,” Michael J. Hennigan, president and CEO of Sunoco Logistics, said in a statement.

“As a result, Mariner East 2 would provide the highest- value option for producers in this region as an export solution on the East Coast,” he said.

Under the terms of the open season, priority firm service will be given to shippers making long-term volume commitments.

The company said it expects the pipeline to be operational by 2016.

Sunoco Logistics is a master limited partnership based in Philadelphia. Formed in 2002, it operates a range of oil pipelines, storage and terminal facilities.

The company also manages crude-oil acquisition and marketing assets, according to its website.