US Enterprise loads first PGP export vessels

Enterprise Products’ terminal has the capability to load 5,000 tonnes/day of refrigerated polymer grade propylene at the Houston Ship Channel. (Port of Houston Authority)

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Enterprise Products has loaded its first two vessels with polymer grade propylene (PGP) for export from its terminal on the Houston Ship Channel, the US-based midstream energy firm said on Tuesday.

The company expects an increase in PGP export cargoes in response to the growing international demand, it said.

Enterprise’s terminal has the capability to load 5,000 tonnes/day of refrigerated PGP. The propylene is supplied from fractionators and storage wells at Enterprise’s complex at Mont Belvieu, Texas. The complex will also be home to the company’s new propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit.

“With the addition of our 1.65bn lb [750,000 tonne/year] PDH plant, which is scheduled to begin service in the second quarter of 2017, Enterprise will have the capability to produce 7.5bn lb/year of propylene, sufficient to meet the needs of our domestic and international customers,” added company CEO AJ Teague.

In regulatory filing in March, the company had said that the PDH start-up would be delayed to the first quarter of 2017.

INSET IMAGE: An aerial view of the turning basin. (Port of Houston Authority)