Will there be a rival to the Panama Canal?

Happy Wednesday!

We couldn’t help ourselves, after all the drama happening in Panama over its ports and canal a new player for moving containers between the Atlantic and Pacific might be what the doctor ordered.  Did anyone happen to read MSN on March 4, 2026, they had an article from Newsweek titled, “Mexico’s multi-billion megaproject could rival Panama Canal”?  In the article, it speaks on how Mexico is building the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec which is connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific.  The rail-to-port project is costing upwards of $7.5 billion and will be approximately 188-mile-long rail system with innovation and modernization on assets along the way and it will be completed this year.  The article goes on to say they expect 1.4 million containers to move between the coasts and the trip taking approximately six hours.  Mexico is hoping to be an alternate dry canal especially in drought years.  If you would like to read more of the article from Newsweek published on MSN , please click the link:   Mexico's multi-billion megaproject could rival Panama Canal.

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.

If you wondered if Lamar High School Band has rescheduled their Mattress Sale, indeed it has the new date is Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm.  Come on down and get a great deal and help support the band, too.

Well, the Houston Livestock and Rodeo is in its third day.  If you’re interested in what is going on at this world class event or you want to see the performers’ line-up for this season; please click the link for information: The Official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Website.

 We hope you have a wonderful evening!

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the article on MSN. **

A CO2 venture in Texas is getting closer to coming online.

Happy Tuesday!

You know we love an update and we have blogged on Oxy’s “Stratos” several times since 2023 even when their 1PointFive received their Class VI Well permits from the EPA last spring for this important carbon capture and sequestration project (CCUS). Check out our blogs on the history of “Stratos” and the other DAC projects 1PointFive has.  We have some good news! 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on March 3, 2026, they had an article titled, “Occidental Petroleum, 1PointFive STRATOS DAC Plant nears startup in Texas Permian Basin”?  In the article, it speaks on how Occidental Petroleum Corp.’s (OXY) 1PointFive is close to completing Phase 1 construction and Phase 2 start up for operation is on the horizon for this direct air capture (DAC) facility.  Stratos will have three wells to deposit carbon dioxide (CO2) in saline reservoirs deep underground.  We wish Oxy’s 1PointFive luck storing the CO2 deep underground and helping to improve the air quality for local communities.  If you would like to read more of Oil and Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Occidental Petroleum, 1PointFive STRATOS DAC plant nears startup in Texas Permian basin | Oil & Gas Journal.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product more efficiently and with less of a carbon footprint or you would like to update your equipment to make it more efficient with less emissions, 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: You may be charged a fee to read the Oil and Gas Journal’s article. **

US DOE has licensed another LNG export project for trade with non-FTA countries.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog!  We hope you have had a fun and relaxing weekend.  Let’s get started.         

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on February 25, 2026, their announcement, “ENERGY DEPARTMENT APPROVES EXPORT EXPANSION AT CORPUS CHRISTI LNG”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) last week published approval of Cheniere Energy’s Corpus Christi Stage 3 project for exporting LNG to non-Free Trade Agreement (non-FTA) countries.  Cheniere’s Corpus Christi Stage 3 venture has already made their final investment decision for the project which will expand the facility with Trains 8 & 9.  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 Approves Export Expansion at Corpus Christi LNG | Department of Energy.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your liquid 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!

Well, the Houston Livestock and Rodeo has started.  If you’re interested in going to this world class event or you want to see the performers’ line-up for this season; please click the link for information: The Official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Website.

We hope you have a wonderful evening.

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

 

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

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their February monthly reports for Monthly Energy Review and Electric Power and others for 2026, 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.

See what happened in the Monthly Densified Biomass Fuel Report by clicking the link: U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis.

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 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!

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

Happy Friday!  Happy Go-Texan Day!

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 27, 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!

Heads up!  In case you haven’t noticed the increased traffic today, the Houston BBQ Championship in happening.  Be careful traveling around the city this weekend! We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend! 

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

US DOE published NOFO for innovative geothermal projects.

Happy Thursday!       

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on February 25, 2026, their announcement, “ENERGY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES $171.5 MILLION TO EXPAND U.S. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a Notice of Opportunity for $171.5 million of federal funding available for qualified geothermal projects looking to advance electricity generation and exploratory drilling.  The DOE is taking Letter of Intent and application for projects looking for funding to validate their innovative ideas for geothermal to help with electricity production and exploratory drilling, and they have six areas to apply under with the deadlines approaching soon.  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 $171.5 Million To Expand U.S. Geothermal Energy |Department of Energy.

If you are interested in this Notice of Funding Opportunity for geothermal, please click the link: DOE: CMEI eXCHANGE: Funding Opportunities

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your liquid 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 wonderful evening.

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

Update on the takeover of Panama’s bicoastal ports.

Happy Wednesday!

Well, we couldn’t pass up clarifying a couple things from yesterday’s blog.  We did say we would let you know, if we hear anything else on this drama!

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Daily Newsletter on February 25, 2026, they reprinted an article from Reuters titled, “CK Hutchinson Says Panama Threatened Employees With Prosecution in Port Takeover Dispute”?  In the article, it speaks on how earlier in the week the Panamanian government had taken possession of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal from PPC, a subsidiary of CK Hutchinson, after a ruling from its Supreme Court negated its contract.  The article went on to clarify Maersk’s APM Terminals Panama and MSC’s TIL Panama were selected for two temporary concessions which may last until August 2027.  APM Terminals Panama will be in charge of Balboa and TIL Panama will be in charge of Cristóbal.  Panama will be changing how they award future contracts due to the ruling from its Supreme Courts. We will let you know, if we hear anything else interesting on this drama.  If you would like to read more of the article from Reuters published on gCaptain’s, please click the link:   Panama Seizes Canal Ports From CK Hutchison | gCaptain.

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.

If you wondered if Lamar High School Band has rescheduled their Mattress Sale, indeed it has the new date is Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm.  Come on down and get a great deal and help support the band, too.

 We hope you have a wonderful evening!

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

What’s next for the bi-coastal Panamanian ports?

Happy Tuesday!

We love a follow-up and the drama over Panama’s bi-coastal ports has been a real nail biter.   Earlier this year Panama’s Supreme Court ruled the CK Hutchingson Holdings subsidiary Panama Ports Company (PPC) lease concession was unconstitutional and have steps have been taken to reclaim the ports?  Maybe!

Did anyone happen to read MSN on February 24, 2026, they had an article from Newsweek titled, “Panama Canal port seized in blow to China”?  In the article, it speaks on how yesterday the Panamanian government has taken possession of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal from PPC due to the ruling in January by its Supreme Court.  Panama’s Maritime Authority has selected Maersk’s APM Terminals as the temporary concession holder of the terminals of Balboa and Cristóbal.  China has stated they are looking into what their recourse is for the Panama’s court’s decision.  The ports were part of the property the BlackRock consortium was purchasing, now the deal is on hold.  If we hear anything else on this drama, we will let you know.  If you would like to read more of the article from Newsweek published on MSN, please click the link:   Panama Canal ports seized in blow to China.

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.

If you wondered if Lamar High School Band has rescheduled their Mattress Sale, indeed it has the new date is Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm.  Come on down and get a great deal and help support the band, too.

 We hope you have a wonderful evening!

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the article on MSN. **

Another ExxonMobil CO2 venture is online in Louisiana.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog!  Hope you ere able to get outside and enjoy the weather.

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on February 19, 2026, they had an article titled, “ExxonMobil transporting, storing captured CO2 from second operation in Louisiana”?  In the article, it speaks on how ExxonMobil has another carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) facility online and operational in Louisiana.  The facility collects carbon dioxide (CO2) from NG3 gathering system at the NG3 Gillis plant, and it is anticipated to collect almost 1.2 million metric tons of CO2 a year from the natural gas flow, then the natural gas will continue its journey to coast.  The two CCS ventures are capable of collecting 3.2 million tons per year which will eventually be stored in geological formations deep in the Earth, currently they are using it for enhanced oil recovery.  We wish ExxonMobil luck storing the CO2 deep underground and helping improve air quality for local communities.  If you would like to read more of Oil and Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   ExxonMobil transporting, storing captured CO2 from second operation in Louisiana | Oil & Gas Journal.

Check out our Blog at the end of January for information on XOM's other CCS facility.  

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product more efficiently and with less of a carbon footprint or you would like to update your equipment to make it more efficient with less emissions, 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: You may be charged a fee to read the Oil and Gas Journal’s article. **

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 20, 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 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!”