BOEM’s BBG3 has a proposed date.

Happy Thursday!

Well, we love an update!  BBG2 offshore lease sale is quickly approaching in March, therefore get in your sealed bids, check out our previous blog for details.  The BOEM wants to get another one is our sights. 

Did anyone happen to receive the News Release from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on February 19, 2026, their News Release titled, “BOEM Proposes Third Gulf of America Lease Sale Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?  In the release to stakeholders, it speaks on how Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has recommended another Gulf of America (Mexico) offshore lease sale and it will be called, “Lease Sale Big Beautiful Gulf 3 (BBG3)”and the sale will possibly be August 12, 2026.  The proposed BBG3 will be the third out of the thirty required by One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and as promised the BOEM is trying to have the sale on a schedule of either March or August.    BBG3 has suggested just over 15,000 blocks encompassing over 80 million acres in the Gulf.  This sale will have a low royalty rate, too.  The Federal Register will have the Proposed Notice of Sale for BBG3 by the end of the week for those coastline governments affected by the sale who would like to comment.  We will let you know, if we hear anything else from the BOEM on the lease sale.  If you would like to read more of the BOEM’s News Release, please click the link: BOEM Proposes Third Gulf of America Lease Sale Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

If you would like information on this oil and gas lease sale, please click the link: Big Beautiful Gulf 3 (BBG3) Oil & Gas Lease Sale | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

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

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

**Disclaimer: Please see the News Release from the BOEM for specific information. **

"MAP" a strategy to bring American’s back to the sea!

Happy Wednesday!

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Daily Newsletter on February 14, 2026, their article titled, “Trump Unveils White House Maritime Action Plan to Restore U.S. Seapower”? In the article, it spoke on how the current administration released their plan to bring America back to the world stage for maritime as crew as well as shipbuilders.  In a time when few ships hang the American flag and few crews are all American the current administration has a blueprint on how to bring America back.   White House’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP) may have taken almost a year to develop nonetheless it has a well-designed and well-thought-out outline and if Congress and the country get on board, we will again rule the seas.  MAP has four strategic priorities.  The first one is bringing ship building back to the U.S. and make us a player on the world stage by the federal government investing in the industry as well as bringing in more private investors, and federal agencies, private enterprises and foreign governments working together instead of hindering progress.   In addition, federal agencies will have to work together to remove redundant standards and policies and modernize training for the merchant marines.   MAP wants prefabricated and innovative manufacturing in ship building and design.  They believe the vessel should be fully laid out digitally before production begins.  MAP wants a tariff or port fee on foreign built vessels coming into U.S. ports and the fee may be based on cargo load weight, nonetheless even at one cent a kilogram this will be a hefty amount which will fund the proposed SHIPS Act’s Maritime Security Trust Fund. The next strategy is developing Maritime Prosperity Zones along different U.S. waterways where private equity would be used for the maritime manufacturing of vessels and parts.  Another strategy is a possible Capital Construction Fund which will be a tax break for vessel owners, so they can put capital towards building more U.S. built vessels.  The last strategy is called “Bridge Strategy” where our international partners with multivessel contracts start building hulls in their home country as they invest in U.S. shipyards for the vessel to be built the rest of the way here on American soil.  MAP is a sound plan nonetheless will the American people and Congress drink the water is the question.  We wish them luck bring America back to the sea!  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:   Maritime Action Plan Aims to Revitalize Shipbuilding.

 If you would like help in looking into how to move your liquids and reduce your emissions, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening! 

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

US DOE announces selectees for Topic 2 of their $525 million Coal Recommissioning and Modernization funding opportunity.

Happy Tuesday!       

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on February 11, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Announces $175 million to Modernize Coal Plants, Keeping Affordable Reliable Power Online for Americans”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a list of six projects in rural America who have been awarded funds from $175 million grant to rejuvenate and innovate their coal power plants to keep them online to power their region.  The funds are part of the DOE’s $525 million Coal Recommissioning and Modernization funding announced in the Fall 2025, the $175 million is part of Topic 2 Rural Capacity and Energy Affordability Coal Projects, and Topic 1 Coal Commission, Recommissioning, Retrofitting, and Modernization Projects have $350 million on the table; we expect we will hear later this year on the selectees.  Topic 2 projects are the administration’s way to keep reliable coal power energizing the power grids in rural America.  The power plants are in Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky, if you would like to see how the power plants will be using the funds, please click the link: Project Selections for Broad Agency Announcement DE-FOA-0003605, Restoring Reliability: Coal Recommissioning and Modernization (Topic 2) | Department of Energy.  We will keep you posted on anything interesting we hear out of the DOE.  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 Announces $175 Million to Modernize Coal Plants, Keeping Affordable Reliable Power Online for Americans | Department of Energy.

How may we help you revitalize your coal power plant and help you protect the communities who need you?  We can help by finding the best way to dispose of your flue gas which may include enhanced oil recovery and emission sequestration, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening.

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

Port of Brownsville making progress on Cargo Dock 3.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog.   

We try and keep up to date on what is happening in ports along the Texas coastline, and the Port of Brownville (POB) had a Newsletter come out last week which caught our eyes.  Did anyone see the Port of Brownsville’s Newsletter Port Matters on February 11, 2026, their video titled, “Cargo Dock 3 Reconstruction Moves Forward”?  POB gave the reader an update on the headway they have had on Cargo Dock 3.   Cargo Dock 3 started its reconstruction back in November 2025 and the expected cost of the project is $40 million which is partially funded through Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Maritime Division’s Maritime Infrastructure Program. The dock is roughly 90 years old and was in need of modernization and a little love.   POB and its partner are happy to let us know they are almost done with destruction of the old dock and have started pile driving.  The project is expected to be completed next year.  We wish them luck completing the important upgrade on budget and on schedule.  If you would like to read more of the article and watch video from Port of Brownsville, please click the link: Port Matters January 2026 Issue.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport and store your hydrocarbon products, contact us via the email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a great and productive rest of your week!  Happy Mardi Grais and Lunar New Year!

**Disclaimer: Please see the Port of Brownsville Newsletter for specifics. **

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report, it is now available on their website!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report for week ending February 13, 2025, is now available from the EIA website. 

Check out what happened in the Monthly Short Term Energy Outlook by clicking the link: Short-Term Energy Outlook - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website!  We are always here to help you out with your next hydrocarbon project to move your product or help you reduce your emissions!  You may reach us by the email in the Blog!

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

Have a good weekend!  Keep safe and have a “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

 

U.S. EIA Weekly Updates for Petroleum & Other Liquids, Natural Gas, Propane, 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, Propane, and Coal for the week ending February 13, 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 (Beta) by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/beta/naturalgas/weekly/supplement/. 

See what happened last week in the Heating Oil and Propane Update by clicking the link: Heating Oil and Propane Update - Energy Information Administration (eia.gov).

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/.

**Note: Two Reports have been discontinued: Weekly Natural Gas Dashboard and Natural Gas Weekly Update. ** 

Note: Please be aware there is a Federal Holiday next week on Monday, February 16, 2026, and Federal Offices will be closed, and some of the EIA updates will be delayed to the following week according to their email. 

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!

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend!  Happy Valentine’s Day!

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

Learnings from the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon from Thursday, February 12, 2026.

    Photo of Orlando Sanchez, Annise Parker, Marty Lancton, Aliza Dutt, Vincent DiCOsimo (Moderator) from 

Special Harris County Judge Candidate Panel at GHPB's Commerce Club Luncheon.

Happy Thursday!

We went to the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s (GHPB) Commerce Club Luncheon and Annual Meeting which had a special venue today at the Hyatt Regency Baytown.  It was a nice place with a view.    

Vincent DiCosimo the Chairman of the Board for the GHPB gave a brief update of the state of affairs for the GHPB and the Houston Ship Channel.  The room was able to nominate and accept the vote for the 2026 Port Bureau Directors.  Mr. DiCosimo was the Moderator for the special guest panel, too. 

The special guests were four candidates of the seven running for Harris County Judge, three Republicans and one Democrat.  In attendance were Aliza Dutt, Orlando Sanchez, Marty Lancton, and Annise Parker.    They all have impressive backgrounds and resumes.  The panel covered everything from their visions for Harris County, Economics and the Budget, Emergency Management, Infrastructure, Workforce Development in regard to immigration and our future workers.   The consensus was a house cleaning was due for the county, and law enforcement needs to work together instead of having so much overlap between the 63 law enforcement agencies.  Several of the candidates thought the county should be run like a business and its liabilities shouldn’t exceed its assets.   They agreed Harris County Commissioners Court should work together to represent all of Harris County and its communities, and we should work with the local and state agencies to make all of us thrive especially when disasters hit.    

Thank you, Annise Parker, Orlando Sanchez, Alize Dutt, and Marty Lancton.   You were all interesting and informative speakers, and we wish you luck in your quest to become Harris County Judge. 

As you see the speakers at the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheons bring an informative talk to all that attend.  The next Commerce Club Luncheon is March 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Houston Marriot South at Hobby Airport.  Please check out the website, if you would like to learn more.  February 2026 GHPB Annual Meeting & Commerce Club Luncheon - - Greater Houston Port Bureau. (We will update when the March 2026 event is available.)

If you would like help in figuring out how to get your product moving with less of a carbon footprint, contact us via the email on the Blog or give us a call: 281-901-5554.  Check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a great and productive rest your week!

GHPB’s Monthly Commerce Club Luncheon – February 12, 2026, at 11 AM.

Happy Wednesday! 

We hope you reserved your place for the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Commerce Club Luncheon which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Baytown tomorrow, Thursday, February 12, 2026.  The event is sold-out!  We will be there learning something new and going somewhere new. 

We are looking forward to the special panel of Harris County Judge Candidates and hear what vision they have for Harris County and its future.  It is the GHPB’s Annual Meeting, too.  If you would like more details, please click the link: February 2026 GHPB Annual Meeting & Commerce Club Luncheon - - Greater Houston Port Bureau .

We hope to see you there!

If you need help with planning your next hydrocarbon liquids project in this low carbon world, contact us via the email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a great and productive week! 

Panama Canal is keeping things moving in spite of the heavy rains in the region.

Happy Tuesday!

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Daily Newsletter on February 9, 2026, their article titled, “Panama Canal Opens Floodgates as Gatun Lake reservoir Hits Maximum Capacity”? In the article, it spoke on how the Panama Canal Authority last week had to lower the water from the Gatun Lake Reservoir due to it had reached 88.93 feet which is a change from the low the reservoir reached back in 2023 of 79.6 feet.  Recently, Panama has had heavy rains which filled the rivers which feed the reservoir, and as a defense they opened the reservoir to lower the water table to protect communities, industry, and its assets in the region.  2025 was a successful year for the Panama Canal and hopefully, this year will, too.   We wish them luck with keeping transits moving through the canal.  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:   Panama Canal Opens Spillways as Reservoir Hits Maximum Level.

If you would like help in looking into how to move your liquids and reduce your emissions, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening! 

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

A Corpus Christi LNG facility has filed for authorization from FERC to expand.

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

We love an updated.  Cheniere’s Corpus Christi Stage 3 plant which is expected to be online later this year has more news to share.   

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on February 9, 2026, their article titled, “Cheniere’s files with FERC for 24-million tpy Corpus Christi LNG Stage 4 expansion”?  In the article, it speaks on Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Corpus Christi plant filed an application with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to expand its facility with a Stage 4 in hopes of having approved another 24 million tpy.  They are wanting to add four more liquefaction trains to the facility as well as adding two LNG storage tanks and another marine berth.  Cheniere is asking to add a 26 mile 42-in OD pipeline loop to connect Sinton, Texas and the facility as well as adding compression to its Sinton 2 station.  Cheniere Energy is hoping for consent by mid-2027 with the expansion, and to be operational about four years later.  We wish them luck with getting their approval.  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link: Cheniere files with FERC for 24-million tpy Corpus Christi LNG Stage 4 expansion | Oil & Gas Journal.

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

We hope you have a wonderful evening!  Enjoy the weather. 

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

U.S. EIA Monthly Reports for Petroleum Marketing and Others are now available!

Happy Friday!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their monthly reports for Petroleum Supply, Petroleum Marketing, and Others for February 2026, they are now available on the EIA website.

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

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

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 fun and relaxing weekend! 

U.S. EIA Weekly Updates for Petroleum & Other Liquids, Natural Gas, Propane, 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, Propane, and Coal for the week ending February 6, 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 (Beta) by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/beta/naturalgas/weekly/supplement/ 

See what happened last week in the Heating Oil and Propane Update by clicking the link: Heating Oil and Propane Update - Energy Information Administration (eia.gov).

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/.

**Note: Two Reports have been discontinued: Weekly Natural Gas Dashboard and Natural Gas Weekly Update. ** 

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!

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend! 

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

BOEM’s BBG2 has its date posted and is ready for your sealed bid.

Happy Thursday!

Did anyone happen to receive the News Release from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on February 4, 2026, their News Release titled, “BOEM Advances Second OBBBA Offshore Lease Sales”?  In the release, it speaks on how Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has published their final notice for their second offshore oil and gas lease sale for the Gulf of America(Mexico) and it is called, “Lease Sale Big Beautiful Gulf 2 (BBG2)”and the sale will be livestreamed March 11^th.  BBG2 is the second out of the thirty required by One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and sealed bids are due March 10 by 10 a.m.  BBG2 has just over 15,000 blocks encompassing over 80 million acres in the Gulf.  We let you know, if we hear anything else from the BOEM on the lease sale.  If you would like to read more of the BOEM’s News Release, please click the link: BOEM Advances Second OBBBA Offshore Lease Sales | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

If you would like information on this oil and gas lease sale, please click the link: Big Beautiful Gulf 2 (BBG2) Oil & Gas Lease Sale | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 

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

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a great week

**Disclaimer: Please see the News Release from the BOEM for specific information. **

Sentinel Midstream’s Texas GulfLink has another of its license in hand!

Happy Wednesday!

Well, you know we love an update.   Sentinel’s Texas GulfLink (TGL) was in our Blog about a year ago for them receiving their MARAD Deepwater Port license, after six years of review, now they are in the news again.   

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Daily Newsletter on February 4, 2026, their article titled, “First Trump-Era Deepwater Oil Export License Granted to Texas GulfLink”? In the article, it spoke on how Sentinel Midstream, LLC has had their Texas GulfLink LLC (TGL) license granted from the US Department of Transportation (DOT).  TGL will be offshore from Brazoria County, Texas approximately 27 nautical miles (approximately 31 miles off the coast).  The venture includes a terminal in the Freeport Harbor and a dock at the Port Freeport Public Docks as well as a deepwater port with a permanent platform which may moor two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) at the same time with a single point mooring (SPM) buoy as well as a 45-miles of 42-in OD pipeline and a booster station, and 18-million-barrel storage tanks.  They anticipate lading rates will be 85,000 barrels per hour for a single vessel.  This is good news for Sentinel Midstream may decide on their final investment decisions.  Well, we wish TGL luck with constructing this ambitious deepwater terminal and its assets.  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:   First Trump-Era Deepwater Oil Export License Granted to Texas GulfLink.

If you would like help in looking into how to move your liquids and reduce your emissions, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening! 

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

 

Panama Canal Authority has requested RFQs for their LPG pipeline and bi-coastal terminal projects.

Happy Wednesday!

You know we love a follow-up and update.  We blogged several times last year on the Panama Canal.  Well, the Panama Canal Authority is moving forward with their purposed LPG pipeline, and the drama of the two ports has more to add to its drama. 

Did anyone happen to read gCaptain Shipping Newsletter on February 2, 2026, they have an article titled, “Panama Canal Opens Bidding on Massive Pipeline and Port Projects as Court Ruling Upends Geopolitical Balance”?  The article speaks in regard to the Panama Canal Authority has announced they are accepting qualifications or RFQs for two big capital projects.  Last fall the Panama Canal Authority gauged if there is interest for an LPG pipeline which would connect the coasts and what they found was definitely.   They opened an official prequalification process last week.  The future pipeline is expected to be 76-kilometers long and will transport around 2.5 million barrels per day of propane, butane, and ethane between the two coasts.  The other projects are new container terminals on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to help modernize to compete with other ports in the region.  The projects will pick their prospective vendors by the end of the year.   The two projects are both part of the Panama Canal Authority’s Strategic Vision for the next decade.  The announcement was shadowed by Panama’s Supreme Court ruling on CK Hutchison’s port businesses in Panama which will surely complicate the sale to the Blackrock group. We wish the Panama Canal Authority luck with finding the right companies to construct the new terminals and pipeline.  If you would like to read more of gCaptain’s article, please click the link: Panama Canal Opens Bidding on Massive Pipeline and Port Projects as Court RulingUpends Geopolitical Balance.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your midstream terminal, contact us via email in the Blog and check out ESC's 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. **