Canada: Inter Pipeline announces Polaris pipeline progress

Inter Pipeline Ltd has announced that a major component of the CAN$ 1.4 billion Polaris pipeline system expansion has been successfully completed and placed into commercial service.

Accordingly, Inter Pipeline has begun generating cash flow under its 20 year diluent transportation agreement with the FCCL Partnership, a business venture between Cenovus Energy and ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Corp.

Diluent shipments are expected to commence shortly from Inter Pipeline's Lamont pump station to FCCL's Foster Creek and Christina Lake oil sands production facilities utilising a new 290 km, 30 in. diameter mainline and associated pipeline laterals.

Shipments

In aggregate, FCCL has contracted for 350 000 bpd of firm ship-or-pay capacity on the new mainline, which will generate approximately CAN$ 90 million in annual EBITDA for Inter Pipeline.

These shipping arrangements represent approximately 50% of the newly installed expansion capacity. Inter Pipeline is aggressively pursuing opportunities to attract additional third party shippers to the system.

Funding

The newly installed mainline and accompanying laterals account for approximately CAN$ 1.1 billion of the estimated CAN$ 1.4 billion total cost of the Polaris expansion.

The remaining segments of the Polaris expansion, including a diluent connection to FCCL's Narrows Lake oilsands facility are on schedule and are expected to be completed in phases between late 2014 and mid 2017.

In total, Inter Pipeline expects to earn approximately CAN$ 130 million in annual EBITDA under the Polaris FCCL contract, when the full expansion is in commercial service.

"This major expansion was completed on-schedule and with world-class safety performance during a period of heightened industry activity," stated Christian Bayle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inter Pipeline. "I would like to thank our dedicated team of employees, contractors and suppliers for their contributions towards achieving this important milestone for Inter Pipeline."

When complete, the Polaris system will have the capacity to deliver as much as 700 000 bpd of diluent.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/22072014/canada-inter-pipeline-announces-polaris-pipeline-progress-661/