Port Freeport is an awardee of MARAD’s 2026 PIDP.

Happy Tuesday!  Hope you have been able to stay out of the rain this afternoon. 

We love keeping up on the happenings at ports along the Gulf Coast, as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD).  We blogged back in at the end of March 2026, on MARAD opening their 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), and how they had up to $488M available to innovate American ports. We blogged in early May 2026, on Port Houston receiving some of the MARAD’s PIDP funds to advance their Project STORM and in particular advancing Bayport Container Terminal, and their plans for a new yard.  Well, another local port is receiving funds for MARAD’s 2026 PIDP. 

Did anyone see the Port Freeport’s Announcement on November 4, 2026, they have an announcement titled, “11/04/2026 Port Freeport Awarded $9.4 Million Federal Grant to Modernize Bulk Rice Operations”?   The announcement is in regard to Port Freeport has received federal funds from MARAD’s 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).  Port Freeport received a grant for over $9.4 million to innovate their bulk rice-handling amenities.  Congratulations, Port Freeport!  Good luck with your improvements.  If you would like more information from the announcement on Port Freeport, please click the link: 11/04/2026 PORT FREEPORT AWARDED $9.4 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO MODERNIZE BULK RICE OPERATIONSs.

If you would like to see more awardees from MARAD’s 2026 PIDP; please click the link: 2026 PIDP Grant Awards | MARAD.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint from your terminal, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a great rest of your week!  Keep dry.

**Disclaimer: Please see the Port Freeport’s Press Release for specific details. **

 

SS United States is on her way to become one of the largest artificial reefs off the Gulf Coast.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog.  We hope the rain didn’t keep you inside today!

We thought we would start the week off a little light.  We have blogged on the SS United States over the last couple years on the iconic ships journey to become an artificial reef on the Gulf Coast (It was 2-years ago to the date was our first blog on the topic).   The journey is near the end, and we read an update on the SS United States.  Let’s get started. 

Did anyone happen to read gCaptain Shipping Newsletter on November 9, 2026, their article titled, “SS United States Set for Final Voyage Ahead of Historic Sinking Off Florida”?  The article speaks in regard to the SS United States last journey from Mobile, Alabama to its permanent home offshore approximately 25-miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.  The iconic ship should have left port today and be on her way to become the largest artificial reef off the coast.   The ship is expected to be sunk this Thursday the day after Veteran’s Day.  In preparations for the ships new purpose, she has had remediation throughout the ship to remove any artifacts and equipment which may be used in a future onshore museum, and all of her fuel and other of tanks have been drained and cleaned.  The SS United States still is the record holder for transatlantic speed where she made the transatlantic journey in less than three and a half days, and she’s held this record for almost seventy-five years.  A memorable ship deserves a place anyone can visit, so it's becoming an artificial reef seems a good decision.  We wish the SS United States speedy sinking into her new home where we hope she is appreciated and explored by Gulf of Mexico’s fish and divers.  If you would like to read more of gCaptain’s article, please click the link: SS United States Set for Final Voyage Ahead of Historic Sinking Off Florida.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product efficiently and with less of a carbon footprint, contact us via the email in the Blog and check out our ESC's website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a great week! 

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the gCaptain’s article. **

 

U.S. EIA Monthly Report for Petroleum Marketing Monthly is now available!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their report for Petroleum Marketing Monthly; it is now available on the EIA website.

See what happened in the Petroleum Marketing Monthly by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/marketing/monthly/.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website!  We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your liquids or help you reduce your emissions!

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!

U.S. EIA Weekly Updates for Petroleum & Other Liquids, Natural Gas, and Coal are all now available!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Natural Gas, and Coal for the week ending November 6, 2026, they are all now available from the EIA website. 

See what happened in the Weekly Petroleum Status Report by clicking the link: Weekly Petroleum Status Report - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened last week in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update by clicking the link: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report by clicking the link: Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report - EIA.

See what happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report Supplement by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/beta/naturalgas/weekly/supplement/.

See what happened this week in the Heating Oil and Propane Update by clicking the link: Heating Oil and Propane Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration.

See what happened last week in Coal Markets Report by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/markets/.

See what happened last week in Weekly Coal Production by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/production/weekly/.

We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your hydrocarbons or to update your equipment to help reduce your emissions!  Connect with us through the Blog email or give us a call: 281-901-5554!

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

GO Lamar Texans! Good luck in the tonight’s football game against the Lions of Alief Taylor H.S. 

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend! 

We hope to see you next week for another week of ESC News Blog!

 

The US DOE has awarded four companies’ contracts for heating oil from the NEHHOR.

Happy Thursday!  Hope you enjoyed the lovely cool weather the area is having. 

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and other American assets like the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve (NEHHOR).  Well, looks like the DOE has some news on the RFP it issued for an exchange of heating oil which closed last week.  A couple of these companies are familiar faces who were awarded oil contracts from the SPR in October, see our Blog earlier this week for details.    Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on November 4, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Awards Contracts from Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently published their awardees for the Request for Proposal (RFP) for an emergency exchange for approximately 300,000 barrels of ultra-low sulfur heating oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve (NEHHOR) which closed last week.  The NEHHOR facilities where the heating oil will be released from will be in Boston, Massachusetts and New Haven, Connecticut, and the heating oil is to be delivered by the end of this week.  The companies who were awarded the contracts are Global Companies, LLC; Sprague Operating Resources LLC; Trafigura Trading LLC; and Vitol Inc.  The parties’ who were awarded contracts about a year to return the barrels with additional heating oil.  We will keep you posted on anything interesting we hear out of the DOE and the NEHHOR.  If you would like to read more of the Announcement from the U.S. DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, please click the link: Energy Department Awards Contracts from Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve.

If you would like help in looking into how to store your liquid hydrocarbon safely in underground storage or expand your transportation system at your facility, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week. 

**Disclaimer: Please see the Immediate Release from the U.S. DOE for specifics. **

100-year-old retired refinery getting a second lease on life and a new owner.

Happy Wednesday!  We hope you had a chance to enjoy the lovely weather today.  Let’s get started.

We have blogged in the past on LyondellBasell and how they were handling the changing times.   We blogged on them possibly making their 100-year-old refinery into a chemical waste recycling unit as well as them closing the facility, see our Blog May 2025 and November 2024.  We blogged on them joining the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub back at the end of October 2023. Well, looks like LyondellBasell and its closed refinery is in the news again.   

Did anyone happen to read The Houston Chronicle’s Chron Breaking News Newsletter on October 30, 2026, their article titled, “Valero buys shuttered Houston refinery – ‘LyondellBasell sells Houston refinery. Valero plans to fire it back up”?  In the article, it goes on to speak on how LyondellBasell sold their retired refinery on the Houston Ship Channel to Valero for over $320 million.   The 100-year-old refinery was mothballed, and a new plan was contemplated in 2025 for the site.   Well, LyondellBasell found a buyer for the 700-acre refinery who has plans to restart it next year with anticipated refining capabilities of 165,000 bpd of sweet crude.  Valero is anticipating the transaction will close by the end of this year, if they get all governmental approvals.  Valero hasn’t ruled out upgrading the facility at a later time to have the capabilities to handle heavier crudes.  We wish Valero luck with completing their buy and getting the refinery back online.  If you would like to read more of the Chron’s article on MSN, please click the link: LyondellBasell sells Houston refinery. Valero plans to fire it back up.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint or just find out what is underneath your feet to help with your emission reduction goals, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a lovely evening and a productive week!  

Breaking News: HISD’s Lamar High School Marching Band & Color Guard is having a Car Wash Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm at Lone Star Glass on Bissonnet, so come on by.  $10 a wash, no credit cards accepted.  Come out and help support these hard-working musicians and dancers. 

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read The Houston Chronicle’ Chron's article on MSN. **

 

DOE’s October RFP from the Emergency Exchange Program from the SPR has been awarded in two groups.

Happy Tuesday!  Hope you were able to stay out of the rain this afternoon.  Let’s get started.

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).  We have blogged on several of their strategic releases this year and their respective parties whose exchange offers were accepted.  Well, looks like the Request for Proposal (RFP) which closed earlier in October has been awarded.  Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on October 29, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Awards Contracts From The Strategic Petroleum Reserve As Part Of President Trump’s Emergency Exchange”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently published awardees for their Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Emergency Exchange Program for crude oil which closed earlier in October, and the current group have been awarded contracts for over 16-million barrels.   The SPR site the oil will be released from is either Big Hill or Bryan Mound and delivery will be arranged at a future date.   Some of the awardees are Gunvor USA, Macquarie Commodities Trading US, Phillips 66 Company, Trafigura Trading LLC and Vitol, Inc.  There were contracts awarded earlier in October for over 23-million barrels, and some of the companies include ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, and Energy Transfer Crude Marketing.  The two award groups have exhausted the RFP from earlier in October and the DOE has honored their word of releasing 172-million barrels of crude oil since the inception of the US-Iran War.   We will keep you posted on anything interesting we hear out of the DOE and the SPR.  If you would like to read more of the Announcement from the U.S. DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, please click the link: Energy Department Awards Contracts from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as Part ofPresident Trump’s Emergency Exchange.

If you would like to see the companies who were awarded the contracts; see FY27 SPR Oil Release No. 1 Award Information and FY26 SPR Oil Release No. 4 Award Information.

If you would like help in looking into how to store your liquid hydrocarbon safely in underground storage or just find out what is underneath your feet to help with your emission reduction goals, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week.  Keep dry!

**Disclaimer: Please see the Immediate Release from the U.S. DOE for specifics. **

 

GHPB has a couple events coming in November and you still have time to sign up!

Happy Monday and welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog!

Today, we were at the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s, “18^th Annual GHPB Captain’s Cup Golf Tournament” at the Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas.  It was a fun time for all who attended and a beautiful day for all to enjoy!  It was a fun way to mingle with the other members and a way to help support a worthy cause.  We are looking forward to the event next year! 

Don’t forget to sign up to go to the next GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon on November 12, 2026, at 11 A.M. by clicking the link: November 2026 GHPB Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau.  The guest speaker is Christian Ford, Partner, DLA Piper. 

Don’t forget to sign up for the Port Bureau Connect Happy Hour, which is coming up this month on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 4:30 P.M.  There are still spots open for this event as of today, so please sign up.  Please click the link if you would like to attend; Port Bureau Connect Happy Hour - Greater Houston Port Bureau.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog, if you have a project you would like to see get off the ground to get your hydrocarbon liquid moving or you want to see what’s beneath your feet to help reduce your emissions!

We hope you have a great week! 

**Disclaimer – Please see the Greater Houston Port Bureau for specific details on the upcoming November events. **

U.S. EIA Monthly Reports for MER, Petroleum Supply Monthly and others are now available!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their October monthly reports for Monthly Energy Review, Petroleum Supply Monthly and others for 2026, they are now available on the EIA website.

See what happened in the Monthly Energy Review (MER) by clicking the link: Total Energy Monthly Data - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened in the Petroleum Supply Monthly by clicking the link: Petroleum Supply Monthly - Energy Information Administration.

See what happened in the Company Level Imports by clicking the link: Company Level Imports - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened in the Natural Gas Monthly by clicking the link: Natural Gas Monthly Report.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website!  We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your liquids or help you reduce your emissions!

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend! Happy Halloween!

U.S. EIA Weekly Updates for Petroleum & Other Liquids, Natural Gas, and Coal are all now available!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Natural Gas, and Coal for the week ending October 30, 2026, are all now available from the EIA website. 

See what happened in the Weekly Petroleum Status Report by clicking the link: Weekly Petroleum Status Report - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened last week in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update by clicking the link: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report by clicking the link: Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report - EIA.

See what happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report Supplement by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/beta/naturalgas/weekly/supplement/.

See what happened this week in the Heating Oil and Propane Update by clicking the link: Heating Oil and Propane Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration.

See what happened last week in Coal Markets Report by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/markets/.

See what happened last week in Weekly Coal Production by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/production/weekly/.

We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your hydrocarbons or to update your equipment to help reduce your emissions!  Connect with us through the Blog email or give us a call: 281-901-5554!

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

GO Lamar Texans! Good luck in the football game tomorrow against Westside H.S. 

Happy Halloween!  We hope you have a spooky time. 👻

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend! 

We hope to see you next week for another week of ESC News Blog!

KMI and its affiliates are moving forward on two key projects.

Happy Wednesday!

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s LNG & Transportation Report on October 28, 2026, their article titled, “Kinder Morgan takes FID on Southeast Connector, Permian Link natural gas pipelines”?   The article goes on to speak on how Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) and its affiliates: Southern Natural Gas (SNG) and Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of American (NGPL) have made their final investment decision and are moving forward with their Southeast Connector and Permian Link natural gas pipeline ventures; now they have made take-or-pay transportation agreements.  SNG’s pipeline venture Southeast Connector will be approximately 470 miles long and will be designed to carry 2.6 bcfd of natural gas with initial phase expected to be operational the end of 2030 and the cost is expected to be over $3 billion.  NGPL’s pipeline venture Permian Link will be approximately 434-miles long and will be designed to carry 2.8 bcc’d of natural gas with the pipeline expected to be operational Fall 2030, and cost is expected to be over $4.2 billion with KMI’s share is expected to be $1.6 billion.  The article went on to speak on KMI’s Creekside Lateral venture which has be authorized to proceed into its second and third phases with its earlier phase expected to begin operations by the end of this year, and the later phases expected to be operational by the end of next year.  SNG and Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TPG) have made their FID for Bear Creek Storage expansion project and will be moving forward and the project is anticipated to be operational Spring 2029.  All above projects timelines are dependent on attaining all government consents and authorizations.  

The article has updates on two KMI’s projects along the Houston Ship Channel. KMI’s Pasadena Terminal has a $139-million project in the works connecting to a local refinery and it is on track with easements and governmental authorizations, and it is anticipated to be operational in the Fall 2027.   The second project, KMI’s Kinder Morgan Export Terminal expansion project is expected to cost $30 million, and it is anticipated to be online early next year. We will let you know, if we hear anything else from KMI or its affiliates.   If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link Kinder Morgan takes FID on Southeast Connector, Permian Link natural gas pipelines | Oil & Gas Journal.

Our team has experience in developing hydrocarbon storage facilities as well as helping you transport your hydrocarbons, so if you too would like to get a project going, we’re here to help!  Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week! 

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read The Oil and Gas Journal’s article. **

DOE has approved emergency exchange for a Louisiana refinery.

Happy Tuesday!  Hope you were able to stay out of the rain this afternoon and enjoy a bit of the cool weather.  Let’s get started.

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).  We have blogged on several of their strategic releases this year and their respective parties whose exchange offers were accepted.  The SPR should be 25% ahead once the oil is returned next year. The last couple RFPs the administration has been a been quiet on whose offers they have accepted, nonetheless looks like someone is getting an exchange.    Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on October 23, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Authorizes Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange to Support Fuel Supply Stability”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved no more than 400,000 barrels from their emergency exchange program to Phillips 66 Lake Charles Refinery in Louisiana.  The crude will be delivered from the West Hackberry Strategic Petroleum Reserve which holds sweet and sour crude, and it is located in Louisiana.  It is unknown if this is crude oil part of one of the last two Requests for Proposals (RFP) which closed in October.  The reason for the exchange is to help lower and ease prices for Americans in the region.  Phillips 66 should have a year to return the barrels with additional oil.  We will keep you posted on anything interesting we hear out of the DOE and the SPR.  If you would like to read more of the Announcement from the U.S. DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, please click the link: Energy Department Authorizes Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange to Support Fuel Supply Stability.

If you would like help in looking into how to store your liquid hydrocarbon safely in underground storage or just find out what is underneath your feet to help with your emission reduction goals, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week.  Keep dry!

**Disclaimer: Please see the Immediate Release from the U.S. DOE for specifics. **

Update: NSMV I ‘Empire State VII’ will be returning home next month.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog.  We hope you enjoyed the lovely weather over the weekend!  Let’s get started. 

We love to write about things which connect to our previous blogs, and U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Program has been in our Blog for several years now with them delivering new vessels to our Maritime Academies around the U.S.  Well, back in September the Suny Maritime College’s MARAD vessel ‘Empire State VII’ was called into active duty, see our blog for details.  Looks like MARAD had a change of heart.  Let’s dig in.

Did anyone happen to read gCaptain Daily Newsletter on October 24, 2026, their article titled, “Empire State VII to Return to New York After Months-Long Navy Mission Plans Scrapped”?  The article speaks in regard to the first completed NSMV ‘Empire State VII’ who docked at the SUNY Maritime College at the State University of New York which had been called to active duty back in August 2026 by U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) for a classified mission, and the vessel was called up at the request of the Military Sealift Command through the U.S. Fleet Forces Command.  The academy prepared the NSMV for its mission and it cast away on the last day of September for Norfolk where it was to have maintenance and flight deck certification prior to its mission.  Well, the 170-day mission is a bust and at the end of the week the vessel will be released from duty with its certifications.  Empire State VII will be heading home to SUNY Maritime College (Fort Schuyler) and it is expected to arrive by mid-November.  This is a relief to the academy and its students who rely on the vessel to aid in their maritime education, especially those cadets who were expecting to have their 2027 Summer Sea Term next year.  We hope the NSMV ‘Empire State VII’ has a safe journey and it arrives home ready educate our future mariners. If we hear anything else on this NSMV Program and its vessels, we will let you know.  If you would like to read more of gCaptain’s article, please click the link: Empire State VII to Return to New York After Months-Long Navy Mission Plans Scrapped.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your liquids petroleum terminal or see what’s under your feet to help reduce your emissions, contact us via the email in the blog and check out our ESC website for contact information!

We hope you have a wonderful evening, and a great rest of your week!

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the gCaptain’s article. **

U.S. EIA released their Electric Power Annual Report; it is now available!

Happy Friday! 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Electric Power Annual Report, it is now available on the EIA website. 

See what happened in the Electric Power Annual Report by clicking the link: Electric Power Annual - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your liquids or help you look under your feet to help reduce your emissions!  Connect with us through the Blog email or give us a call: 281-901-5554!

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

Have a fun, safe, and relaxing weekend!  

See you next week for another week of ESC News Blog!

U.S. EIA Monthly Reports for Electric Power and others are now available!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their October monthly reports for Electric Power and Electricity Update, they are now available on the EIA website.

See what happened in the Electric Power Monthly by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/.

See what happened in the Electricity Monthly Update by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/update/.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website!  We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your hydrocarbon liquids or help you reduce your emissions!

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

Have a relaxing weekend!