The pipeline expansion project lasted four years and cost a total of more than $34 billion. (Photo: Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)
Calgary — The expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline is complete and the Canada Energy Regulator has given the green light to begin operations on May 1.
The authority confirms having approved the latest opening authorization requests submitted by Trans Mountain Corp. Approval of these applications was required before the expanded pipeline could begin shipping oil.
The pipeline expansion project lasted four years and cost a total of more than $34 billion. It twins the existing Trans Mountain pipeline system from Alberta to coastal British Columbia, increasing the system’s transportation capacity from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day.
Trans Mountain Corp., the federal Crown corporation behind the project, said Wednesday would mark the start of commercial operation of the project, with both pipelines now carrying oil.
But Trans Mountain Corp. says that due to logistics and shipping timing, the first transport vessel is not expected to load oil from the twin line for export until mid-May.
The expanded Trans Mountain pipeline is owned by the federal government. The new capacity it offers should help improve the price Canadian oil companies receive for their products by opening access to global markets.
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