Enterprise testing VLCC at Texas City dock

Enterprise Products Partners is testing a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) at its dock in Texas City, Texas.

The Nave Quasar arrived at the dock and is part of a test to confirm that the facility can accommodate a VLCC ship, an Enterprise spokesman said today. "We will be evaluating today's test to determine a path forward for possible VLCC loadings in the future," he said.

Enterprise has become a major player in exporting crude and other products.

The midstream company averaged 451,000 b/d of crude exports in the fourth quarter of 2017 at its facilities, including third-party volumes.

Enterprise's crude exports ramped up late last year as the company's Midland-to-Sealy, Texas, pipeline started operations, moving more Permian oil to the US Gulf coast.

Volumes on the pipeline averaged 333,000 b/d in the fourth quarter since it began limited service in November. The line is now in full service with a capacity of 540,000 b/d.

Enterprise recently announced it is expanding its marine terminal at the Houston Ship Channel. Enterprise already owns an extensive marine network on the US Gulf coast including 18 ship docks and eight barge docks.

Companies are racing to add more dock capacity amid growing interest in exporting US crude and booming production in the Permian basin in west Texas and eastern New Mexico.