Sunoco to invest US$ 2.5 billion for Mariner East 2

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. has announced a successful open season for Sunoco Pipeline L.P.’s Mariner East 2 project, the second phase of the Company’s broader plan to provide critical pipeline transportation from the Marcellus and Utica Shales.

Mariner East 2 will expand the Mariner East service to deliver natural gas liquids (NGLs) from the liquid-rich shale areas in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Eastern Ohio to Sunoco Logistics’ Marcus Hook Industrial Complex on the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, where it will be stored and distributed to various local, domestic and international markets. Sufficient binding commitments have been received from shippers, enabling the project to move forward.

Sunoco Logistics plans to invest approximately US$ 2.5 billion for Mariner East 2.

Mariner East 2 is anticipated to provide an initial capacity of 275 000 bpd of NGLs such as propane, butane and ethane. Combined with Mariner East 1 capacity of 70 000 bpd, the Mariner East project will provide 345 000 bpd of total NGL takeaway capacity from the shale regions. Mariner East 1 is expected to begin propane service by the end of 2014.

For Mariner East 2, Sunoco Logistics plans to construct a pipeline from processing and fractionation complexes in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Eastern Ohio for transport to the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex. Sunoco Logistics plans to construct new facilities at the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex to store, chill, process and distribute propane, butane and ethane for distribution to local, domestic and international markets. Sunoco Logistics plans to offer intrastate and interstate movements to meet the demands of various markets. Mariner East 2 is expected to be operational by the end of 2016, subject to regulatory and permit approvals.

“This vital energy project will provide a comprehensive solution in the region to transport, store and process NGLs from the Marcellus and Utica Shales, and will provide the foundation for the continuing rebirth of the local manufacturing sector,” said Michael J. Hennigan, president and Chief Executive Officer. “The project also enables the continuing development of the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex, as we convert a former refinery site into a world-class natural gas liquids hub in southeastern Pennsylvania.”

Sunoco Logistics will be investing approximately US$ 3 billion in Pennsylvania for the Mariner East projects to provide a mechanism for moving these resources within the Commonwealth. As part of this investment, the Mariner East projects will also allow for additional propane to be available for consumers in local markets during high demand periods, such as last winter, via distribution terminals at points along the line.

The rapid expansion of natural gas liquids production from the Marcellus and Utica Shale deposits has significantly revitalised local economies across Pennsylvania, creating thousands of jobs and enhancing the country’s energy supply. As more natural gas liquids flow through Pennsylvania to Marcus Hook, additional full-time employment opportunities will grow with Sunoco Logistics’ long-term investment at this 800 acre site.

Sunoco Logistics is also actively developing the addition of an NGL manufacturing complex, including a propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant at Marcus Hook for the manufacture of propylene. This furthers the revitalisation plan for the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex, would add quality, permanent jobs, boost activity in the construction sector and act as a catalyst for further development of the regional manufacturing sector.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/06112014/sunoco-to-invest-us-25-billion-for-mariner-east-2/