Oxy’s “Stratos” an update!

Title: Oxy’s “Stratos” an update! 

Happy Thursday!  Happy Halloween!  We hope the day hasn’t been too spooky, so far!

You know we love a follow-up!  We wrote about the monumental ground-breaking of Occidental Petroleum’s (Oxy) large scale carbon capture facility, “Stratos” back in May 2023.  We wrote about how Oxy subsidiary, 1Pointfive, was receiving federal money for three of their other CCS projects, “Bluebonnet” and South Texas in Texas and “Magnolia” in Louisiana; please check out our Blog in late September and early October 2024 for details.  Well, “Stratos” is in the news again. 

Did anyone read The Houston Chronicle’s Front Page on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, their article called, “A gamble on climate tech – Oxy’s first-of-its-kind carbon capture project in West Texas join global race”?  In the article, it speaks about “Stratos” Occidental Petroleum’s (Oxy) large scale carbon capture facility in Ector County, Texas is mostly constructed and is waiting for its permitting.  Stratos is using proven technology for small scale facilities nonetheless it has never been challenged on something as large as this facility in West Texas.  Stratos will be capturing 500,000 metric tons per year carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the air and storing it beneath the earth in rock formations.  Stratos will be one of the first to receive permitting for a Class VI disposal wells from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which is a new category for long-term storage.  Oxy has had a long history of using CO2 for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) which made their decision to use their skills to become a leader in this new industry.  Oxy’s skills have helped with guidance for the EPA’s new regulations on this budding industry.    

The carbon management industry may not have taken off, if it wasn’t for a few incentives and companies’ interest as well as the chance for profits.  The new industry may have not taken off, if it wasn’t for the tax credits the federal government dangled to make it lift-off.  The 45Q tax credits have made projects like these possible.  Big companies like Microsoft, AT&T as well as other tech and utility companies have helped the industry because they want to reduce their carbon footprint and are willing to pay to get them to their goals.  Companies are buying carbon credits for removing what they estimate is the amount of greenhouse gases they emit, and they are paying a premium which currently means between $500 to $1,100 per metric ton.  It’s amazing how much impact policy and incentives can have!   

Currently, a lot hinges on the success of Oxy’s “Stratos” in our quest to reduce greenhouse gases and make climate action more affordable for the near future.   If you would like to read more of the article from The Houston Chronicle, please click the link: What Oxy’s climate tech gamble could mean for Houston.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC’s 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 night Halloween night!  Don’t eat too much candy!

**Disclaimer – You may be charged a fee to read The Houston Chronicle article. **

Port Houston and Port Freeport are awardees of the US EPA’s Clean Ports Program.

Happy Wednesday!  We hope you have been able to stay dry with all the little rain episodes we have been having today!

Congratulations to Port Houston and Port Freeport on being awarded federal funding from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program for their Climate and Air Quality Planning!

We hope you read our Blog yesterday when we spoke about the Port of Corpus Christi receiving federal funds from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program for their Zero-Emission Technology!

Did anyone happen to read gCaptain Daily Newsletter on October 30, 2024, their article titled, “Biden Just Announced $3B to Clean Up America’s Ports – Here Are Some of the Key Projects Getting Funding”?  The article speaks in regard to the 55 awardees from 27 states and territories who were awarded funding from the $3 billion U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program, and they give us a few highlighted projects.  The awardees and the EPA will formalize their projects and expected funding will be allocated in 2025.  The EPA’s Clean Port Program falls into two categories: Climate and Air Quality Planning (CAPQ) Competition and Zero-Emission Technology Deployment (ZE Tech) Competition.  The EPA’s Clean Port Program is aiming at reducing 3 million metric tons of carbon emissions which should improve the lives and health of the communities which live around and near these 27 ports. The Program’s ZE Tech category invited improvements by modernizing equipment and infrastructure.  They may use the funds to help buy zero-emission cargo handling equipment (CHE) or port equipment which may include electric or other renewable powered equipment like electric forklifts, electric locomotives, EV charging stations, hydrogen charging stations, and other upgrades like vessel shore power as well as help pay to train employees on their use and care.  The second category CAPQ the ports will be able to use the funds to investigate emissions to make or update an emissions inventory and then find possible ways to mitigate them by alternative energy sources and/or help with their Resiliency Planning for future weather.   The Clean Port Program is expecting to have the local communities and workforce engaged in these changes thus having a better relationship.

We will mention a few of the highlighted projects; please see the article for additional projects and details:

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ): $344 million - They were awarded funding for their ZE Tech improvements which include electric CHE and vessel shore power as well as helping them start their Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA) program, and to train employees on the new equipment.

Port of Oakland: $322 million – They were awarded funding for the ZE Tech improvements which include electric and hydrogen CHE, and a battery storage system as well as having a workforce training program on the new equipment.

Port of Houston Authority (PORT HOUSTON): $3 million – They were awarded funding for their CAPQ program called PORT SHIFT which entails creating a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory then using it to help make an emission reduction plan with cost estimates as well as engaging the local community, its workforce, and the trucking industry in their emission reduction strategy. 

Ports of Indiana: $500,000 – They were awarded funding for their CAPQ program which they will be conducting emission inventory for two of their Ohio River ports then they will make an emission reduction plan.  

We would like to wish them luck in reducing their emissions and their transition to alternate energy sources!  If you would like to read more of gCaptain’s article, please click the link: Biden Just Announced $3B to Clean Up America's Ports — Here Are Some of the KeyProjects Getting Funding.

If you would like to see more of the awardees from the EPA’s Clean Port Program or read more about the program; please click the link: Clean Ports Program Selections | US EPA.

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!  Keep dry!

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

PCCA is an awardee of the US EPA’s Clean Ports Program.

Happy Tuesday!  

Congratulations to the PCCA on their grant from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program!

Did anyone hear the Port of Corpus Christi announced on October 29, 2024, they are one of the awardees of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program.  The Port of Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA) released they may be getting up to $105 million from the Clean Ports Program.  The $3 billion EPA’s Clean Ports Program is designed to help ports reduce greenhouse gases with improvements to infrastructure and zero-emission port equipment in addition the money may be used for planning for reducing emissions and future weather conditions.  The PCCA is expecting the zero-emission equipment to help reduce annually approximately 186 tons of nitrous oxides, reduce carbon dioxide by 650 tons, and reduce diesel fuel use by 800,000 gallons.  PCCA and its local partners are dedicated to reducing emissions and improving the lives and health of those who live near and around the port.  The award will be approximately 70% of the budget for the PCCA and its local partners (Bay Houston Towing Company, Signet Maritime Corporation, Suderman & Young Towing Company, and Watco) for zero-emission equipment which may include 3 battery electric tugboats, 8 battery electric forklifts, 1 battery electric sweeper truck, 1 shore-power retrofit package for an existing dock, modernizing of 2 locomotives to battery electric, and 7 charging stations.  The award will help train employees with use and care of the new equipment, help with local outreach programs, and help with making a database for its emission inventories for before and after implementation.   We would like to wish them luck in reducing their emissions!  If you would like to read more of the Port of Corpus Christi’s announcement, please click the link: Port of Corpus Christi Selected by EPA as Clean Ports Program Grant Recipient - Port of Corpus Christi.

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! 

DOE has requested proposals for them to purchase up to 3.0 million barrels of sour crude oil for delivery in April/May 2025 to the SPR in Bryan Mound.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog!   We hope you enjoyed your weekend!

At this point, you know how we enjoy writing follow-ups for our Blog!  We wrote about the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) having purchased or have had returned to them more than 55 million barrels of oil, and they have lined up purchasing agreements for Big Hill, Bayou Choctaw and Bryan Mound for later this year or next year. 

Did anyone happen to read the DOE’s CESER Updates Newsletter for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve on September 28, 2024, their update included, “New Solicitation for up to 3.0 Million Barrels Continues Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Replenish Reserve with Emergency Sale Revenues, Maintain the SPR’s Operational Readiness, and Protect the Nation’s Energy Security”?  In the DOE’s CESAR updates, the Office of Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) have announced Request for Proposal (RFP) for them to buy up to 3.0 million barrels of sour crude oil to be transported to Bryan Mound SPR in April or May 2025.  The RFP’s deadline is November 4, 2024, please see solicitation for specifics.   The previous direct purchase agreements average $76 per barrel which is a good price.  We will keep you informed on anything we hear from the SPR.  If you would like to read more of the announcement from the DOE’s Office of Strategic Petroleum Reserves, please click the link: U.S. Department of Energy Announces New Solicitation to Purchase Oil for Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a Good Deal for American Taxpayers | Department of Energy.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your liquid petroleum 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's website!

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

**Disclaimer: Please see the update from CESER for specifics to the solicitations. **

U.S. EIA released its Country Analysis Brief for Argentina, and it is now available!

 The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Country Analysis Brief for Argentina, so check it out on the EIA website. 

See what happened in Argentina’s Analysis Brief by clicking the link International - 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 liquids project!

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

Have a nice and relaxing evening! 

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

Happy Friday! 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, and Natural Gas for the week ending October 25, 2024, are all now available from the EIA website. 

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

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 else happened last week in Natural Gas Weekly Update by clicking the link: Natural Gas Weekly Update (eia.gov).

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

See what happened this week on the Weekly Natural Gas Dashboard by clicking the link: Natural Gas Storage Dashboard (eia.gov).

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).

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! 

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

 

FERC approves Cheniere Energy’s CCL facility’s Stage 3 terminal supply line for operation.

Happy Thursday!

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Daily Update Newsletter on October 24, 2024, their article titled, “Cheniere’s Corpus Christi LNG Stage 3 moves closer to in-service with FERC approval”?   In the article, it spoke in regard to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approving a Stage 3 supply line of Cheniere Energy’s expansion project for its Corpus Christi Liquefaction facility (CCL) which is located in San Patricio and Nueces Counties, Texas.   FERC’s approval is for a terminal supply line at the CCL facility’s Stage 3 expansion, and it will be able to move its liquified natural gas (LNG) from the facility to its tank storage and then to an LNG vessel to send aboard.  Stage 3 has been being constructed slowly since 2022 and the completed project will have seven midscale trains or liquefaction units which will add over 10-million tonnes/year (tpy) of additional LNG for export and it is expected to be in exporting by the end of 2024.  FERC clarified the approval is only for the Stage 3 terminal supply line, and approval was granted based on the companies produced documents.  This is good news for the industry especially with all the back pedaling recently in the news.  We wish Cheniere Energy luck with the completion of its Stage 3 expansion.  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Cheniere’s Corpus Christi LNG Stage 3 moves closer to in-service with FERC approval | Oil & Gas Journal.

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

We hope you have a wonderful evening! 

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

 

Battleship Texas is now looking for a new home!

Happy Wednesday!  We hope you’re enjoying the lovely weather! 

We love a follow-up and an update, so Battleship Texas was in the news for an update on its new home once its repairs and renovations are completed and it won’t be around Pier 19 in Galveston.  The good news is the repairs are going well according to their website and tours starting soon.   

Did anyone happen to read Chron. Gulf Coast’s Newsletter on October 23, 2024, their article titled, “Port of Galveston sinks Battleship Texas deal”?  In the article, it goes on the speak about how the proposed deal between Galveston Wharves and the Battleship Texas Foundation was withdrawn at a regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees.  The Board of Trustees at meeting back in August had proposed stipulations for the Battleship Texas Foundation with a final decision to be made at its monthly meeting in October, and they weren’t not able to fulfill all the requests which included them meeting with Texas Parks and Wildlife and having a written agreement from Landry, Inc.  The Battleship Texas Foundation was not able to complete the stipulations in the amount of time they were given, therefore they are looking into an alternate site for a new home.  Galveston Wharves is hoping the battleship will still find a home in Galveston only not around Pier 19.  In the past few weeks, the purposed site at Pier 19 was getting push back from the locals due to it was going to block the views of local restaurants and businesses which were in the vicinity.  The voided deal must have given them a sigh of relief!  If we hear anymore, on this decorated military ship we will keep you in the loop!   We wish them much luck finding their new forever home!  If you would like to read more of the Chron. article for free on Microsoft Start, please click the link: Battleship Texas deal with Galveston port now dead in the water.

The Battleships Texas Foundation noted they will be allowing tours in the shipyard later this year, so please check their website for information on further details.  A wonderful project like the restoration of the Battleship Texas will need our help to be restored and taken care of for future generations of Americans, therefore check out their website by clicking the link: Battleship Texas Foundation.

Update: If you would like to know learn more about the Battleship Texas and its Foundation, please check out the Houston Maritime Center’s lecture on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.  Their guest speaker is Travis Davis, Vice President of Ship Operations for the Battleship Texas Foundation.  Please click the link for details and ticket/reservations: Lecture Series: USS Texas - Past and Future with Travis Davis - Houston Maritime Center & Museum. 

If you would like help in looking into how to update your liquids terminal, so it runs more efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint, contact us via email in the blog and check out our ESC's website!

We hope you enjoy your evening and a great rest of your week! 

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read Chron. Gulf Coast’s article. **

 

Canadian Trans Mountain Pipeline helped crude make a rare journey to our 49th state!

Happy Tuesday! 

We hadn’t read anything on the newly expanded Canadian Trans Mountain Pipeline since May when regulators green-lighted operations to start, so we thought we would let you know the latest on this important North American asset.

Did anyone happen to read gCaptain Daily Newsletter on October 21, 2024, they reprinted an article from Bloomberg titled, “Canadian Crude Oil Embarks on a Rare Tanker Trip to Alaska”?  The article speaks in regard to the newly expanded Canadian Trans Mountain Pipeline and how it has given Canadian crude more prospects aboard.  The first Canadian crude in over a decade has taken a tanker trip earlier in October to Alaska for refining at Marathon’s Kenai refinery where the tanker delivered 466,000 barrels.  The crude oil was from the Canadian oil sands which now travels down in an expanded pipeline to Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, British Columbia (Please check out our Blog in May about further details).  The expanded pipeline is a dual pipeline, and it has raised the capacity of the pipeline to approximately 900,000 b/d by shadowing the original line which capacity was approximately 300,000 b/d and this has expanded the amount of Canadian heavy crude reaching the US West Coast ports and Asia.  If you would like to read more of gCaptain’s article, please click the link: Canadian Crude Oil Embarks on a Rare Tanker Trip to Alaska.

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. **

Leaders and innovators in the CCUS industry have joined forces and made standards for the budding industry!

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

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Daily Update Newsletter on October 17, 2024, their article titled, “Wood-led JIP completes work on CO2 specifications guidelines for CCUS projects”?  The article speaks on the subject of a joint industry partnership (JIP) have finalized industry procedures for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) ventures to help the budding industry with finding a best practice to meet safety, environmental, technical, and operational necessities.  The CCUS procedures includes an emphasis on the particulates and contaminates in carbon dioxide (CO2) streams which will affect all involved in CCUS from suppliers, vendors, operations, producers, logistics, and etc.   The necessities include economic advice for tabulating a minimum price for carbon capture to break even or a levelized cost of CO2 abatement (LCOA) for the various technologies in use which either collect CO2 emissions and to eliminate the particulates and other unwanted contaminates, and to classify the different elements which may affect the cost of a CCUS venture.  In a nutshell, they address the different technologies by addressing the good and bad of a particular practice or technology, and the final result and its cost.  The JIP are a group of industry leaders, innovators, and research experts which includes but not limited to Wood PLC, Saudi Aramco, Equinor ASA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Ltd., Net Zero Technology Centre, Shell PLC, TotalEnergies SE, DNV, and Heriot-Watt University as well as others.  The JIP believe these guidelines will help direct the industry to help and protect people and the environment as well as make those who implement it prosperous!  If you would like to read more of the Oil and Gas Journal’s article, please click the link: Wood-led JIP completes work on CO2 specification guidelines for CCUS projects | Oil & Gas Journal.

If you would like to learn more from a member of the Joint Industry Partnership about the new guidelines, please click the link: Industry Guidelines for Setting the CO2 Specification in CCUS Chains | Wood.

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

We hope you have a wonderful evening! 

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

U.S. EIA released its Country Analysis Brief for Iran, and it is now available!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Country Analysis Brief for Iran, so check it out on the EIA website. 

See what happened in Iran’s Analysis Brief by clicking the link International -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 liquids project!

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

Have a nice and relaxing evening! 

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

Happy Friday! 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, and Natural Gas for the week ending October 18, 2024, are all now available from the EIA website. 

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

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 this week in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, by clicking the link: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what else happened this week in Natural Gas Weekly Update by clicking the link: Natural Gas Weekly Update (eia.gov).

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

See what happened this week on the Weekly Natural Gas Dashboard by clicking the link: Natural Gas Storage Dashboard (eia.gov).

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

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 are going to support our Lamar Texans’ football team tomorrow!  Wish them luck!

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend! 

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

 

3 multinational companies will be studying the viability of CCS in Alaska!

Happy Thursday! Can you believe there’s one more day to the week! 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Daily Update on October 17, 2024, they had an article titled, “Hilcorp, Sumitomo, K-Line to study Alaska CCS project”?  The article is on the how Hilcorp Alaska, Sumitomo Corp, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (K-Line) have decided to do a feasibility study on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) in Alaska and how to transport it from Japan.  This announcement follows the State of Alaska getting signed into law House Bill 50 last week which focuses on CCS on state land and in particular the duties and powers of the state’s Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission as well as how they will handle licensing, leasing and management of the emerging industry.  Alaska has investigated CCS, and they have determined they have the capacity to store 50 gigatons in the geologic formations and they have the framework set up for this industry due to LNG terminals, ports, and pipelines which already exist in the state.  The expectation is Japan will capture carbon dioxide (CO2), liquify it, and then bring their liquefied CO2 by vessels to be delivered to ports in Alaska to be then transported to geologic formations for storage.  This collective agreement is an extension of these two countries deal to be part of the solution to reduce greenhouse gases and climate change.  We hope the companies find the solution in their study!  If you would like more information on this article from Oil and Gas Journal, please click the links: Hilcorp, Sumitomo, K-Line to study Alaska CCS project | Oil & Gas Journal (ogj.com).

Don’t forget to check out our ESC's website or contact us via the email in the blog, if you have a hydrocarbon liquids project you would like to see get off the ground or you would like to see what’s under your feet to help with your emissions!

We hope you have a great rest of your week!

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

NSMV II ‘Patriot State’ has made it to its home port!

Happy Wednesday!  How are you enjoying the cool weather which blew in?  We hate to say it; we’re a bit chilly! 

We love to write about things which connect to our previous blogs, and U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MURAD) National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Program had christened and blessed its second vessel for its maiden voyage back in September, please check out our Blog for details.  We wrote on our own Texas A&M University (TAMU) – Galveston Maritime Academy NSMV training ship, TS Lone Star State, having its keel laying celebration back in December 2023; please check out of blog for details. 

Did anyone happen to read gCaptain Daily Newsletter on October 15, 2024, their article titled, “Mass Maritime Academy New Training Ship ‘Patriot State’ to Buzzards Bay”?  The article speaks in regard to the U.S.’s second NSMV called NSMV II ‘Patriot State’ has arrived at its new home port in Buzzard Bay which is where the Massachusetts Maritime Academy is located.  The NSMV program is a partnership between public and private sectors to make multi-use vessels and their project managers are TOTE Services.  All five NSMVs are or will be modern innovative training vessels, which were designed with cadets in mind, so they will have spaces for classrooms, a complete bridge and room for approximately 600 cadets for their schooling at sea.   The ship in addition will have a hospital, helicopter pad, and the ship will be able to help 1,000 people when duty calls in times of distress. Another feature of the ship is it is capable of rolling supplies or containers on and off quickly.  The first completed NSMV was the Empire State VII which was for the SUNY Maritime College at the State University of New York.  

Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s Patriot State has taken the place of the training ship Kennedy who was originally christened SS Velma Lykes back in 1967 at a shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana.  In 2023, the TS Kennedy was sent to Texas A&M Maritime Academy to train their cadets while their ship is being built (Check out our Blog in May 2023 for further details).  The TS Kennedy has answered a distress call, and its crew rescued a small vessel back in June 2024, please see our Blog for details.  Texas A&M’s cadets and instructors were able to have a real-life situation for a great learning and hands-on experience which is what the education at sea is all about in preparing our future mariners. 

The NSMV program has three more ships to complete for maritime academies in Maine, Texas, and California.  These future mariners will have hands-on experience of these vessels!  We wish Patriot State a long successful life training our future mariners and helping those in need.  If you would like to read more of gCaptain’s article, please click the link: Mass Maritime Academy Welcomes New Training Ship 'Patriot State' to Buzzards Bay(gcaptain.com).

Please click the maritime academies name above for information. 

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. **

Tellurian Inc. and its Driftwood LNG project has a new owner!

Happy Tuesday!

Did anyone happen to read Tank Storage News America Weekly Newsletter on October 11, 2024, their article titled, “Woodside completes acquisitions of Tellurian”?   In the article, it speaks on how Woodside Energy Group Ltd. (Woodside) has acquired Tellurian Inc. and its asset Driftwood LNG which is being built in Louisiana.  Woodside purchase of Tellurian is an all-cash deal for approximately $900 million.  Woodside announced it has renamed the Driftwood LNG project to “Woodside Louisiana LNG.”  The project is being developed and built in Calcasieu Parrish, Louisiana and it is permitted to make and ship globally approximately 27.6 million tons per annum once completed.  They are expected to make Final Investment Decision in early 2025.   Earlier this year FERC gave the project a 3-year extension, please see our Blog in February for details.  We wish Woodside a speedy completion of its Woodside Louisiana LNG project!  If you would like to read more of Tank Storage News America Weekly Newsletter’s article, please click the link: Woodside completes acquisition of Tellurian - Tank Storage News America.

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 reduce emissions 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!

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read Tanks Storage News America article. **

XOM attains a lease offshore from Texas’ GLO for their carbon capture project!

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

We touched briefly on the topic of ExxonMobil leasing offshore in our wrap up from the Commerce Club Luncheon last Thursday!  We blogged in early July on how the Texas General Land Office (GLO) opened up around one-million acres in state-owned waters for requests for proposals for carbon capture back in June with proposals due in October, please check out our Blog for further details.  We expect in the coming weeks to hear of more carbon capture leases coming out of the GLO.  We will keep you up on anything we hear! 

Did anyone happen to read The Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on October 11, 2024, their article titled, “Exxon to inject CO2 beneath the Gulf – Companies scramble for solutions to store climate-warming gas”?  In the article, ExxonMobil (XOM) announced they have leased over 271,000 acres offshore in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) in Texas’ state-owned waters for their carbon capture project.  Texas state-owned waters go roughly 10.3 miles offshore from the Texas coast.  Currently, XOM is the largest carbon dioxide (CO2) offshore lease in the country.  XOM similar to Chevron and others have thrown their hats into the carbon capture business as a way to mitigate greenhouse gases for themselves as well as other companies, and they will be able to use their skills from drilling for oil and gas to inject the emissions deep into the earth.  CCS technology is expected to make those who invest in it now huge profits in the near future, and the federal government will help them with up to $85 a ton of tax credits.  To help XOM with this new endeavor they will be able to use their 2023 acquisition of Denbury, and with Denbury’s vast knowledge of carbon capture storage and utilization, 935 miles of CO2 pipelines, and storage facilities in states bordering of the GOM; they will have a big start on the industry.  XOM has already signed contracts with several companies to store their CO2 emissions, and XOM is expected to start as early as 2025.  We wish them much success in this new endeavor!  If you would like to read more of The Houston Chronicle’s article, please click the link: Exxon to store climate-warming CO2 offshore along Texas Gulf Coast(houstonchronicle.com).

If you would like help in looking into how to update your liquids terminal, so it runs more efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC's website!

We hope you enjoy your evening and a great week! 

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

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report and Monthly Solar Photovoltaic Module Shipments Report, and they are now available on their website!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report and Monthly Solar Photovoltaic Module Shipments Report for week ending October 11, 2024, and they are 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).

See what happened this month in the Monthly Solar Photovoltaic Module Shipments Report by clicking the link: U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis.

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! 

U.S. EIA released its Country Analysis Brief for Saudi Arabia, and it is now available!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Country Analysis Brief for Saudi Arabia, so check it out on the EIA website. 

See what happened in the Saudi Arabia’s Analysis Brief by clicking the link International - 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 liquids project!

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

Have a nice and relaxing evening! 

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

Happy Friday! 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, and Natural Gas for the week ending October 11, 2024, are all now available from the EIA website. 

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

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 this week in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, by clicking the link: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what else happened this week in Natural Gas Weekly Update by clicking the link: Natural Gas Weekly Update (eia.gov).

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

See what happened this week on the Weekly Natural Gas Dashboard by clicking the link: Natural Gas Storage Dashboard (eia.gov).

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

Please take note: there is a Federal Holiday on Monday, October 14, 2024, and several weekly reports will be delayed until later in the week.

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 are going to support our Lamar Texans’ football team tomorrow!  Wish them luck!

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend! 

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

 

The happening at GHPB’s Monthly Commerce Club Luncheon – October 10, 2024!

 Happy Thursday!  We attended Greater Houston Port Bureau (GHPB) Commerce Club Luncheon at the Houston Marriot South at Hobby Airport today.

The speaker was Dr. Dawn Buckingham who is a Commissioner at the General Land Office.  She spoke of the duties of the Texas General Land Office (GLO), which include the 13 million acres of land, and 10.3 miles off the coast of Texas is the territory they are the keepers of.  Texas is unlike other states who are mostly owned by the U.S. Government; Texas or private owners own the state.  They are in charge of Texas’ mineral and leasing rights with the some of the money they fund the Permanent School Fund which helps with the education of Texas children; they help Texas armed forces veterans which includes their cemetery and senior centers.  Another duty is Texas GLO helps maintain our coast line and helps with recovery after hurricanes and other storms and disasters.  The GLO helps Texans!

Dr. Buckingham spoke of the exciting changes at the Alamo.  The GLO helped with funding for the collection center including attaining or borrowing artifacts from those abroad.  Approximately six months ago a children’s center broke ground which is expected to help educate our children.  The Alamo is currently looking into renovating the roof which is over 100 years old and the renovation is expected to take 6 months to a year to do.  They will be building an enclosure to protect the Alamo while roof is being redone.  The Alamo complex will also be renovating the statute in front of it.  The wax museum across from the Alamo complex will in time become a 100,000 sq. ft. museum.

Dr. Buckingham briefly spoke of the agreement the GLO has with ExxonMobil for them leasing offshore territory for carbon capture sequestration, and how the lease will benefit the Permanent School Fund.  She did bring up one important question who owns the rights to lease or sell space for carbon sequestration the owner of the mineral rights or the owner of the land?  I guess as more people get involved with this we will soon find out.   Dr. Buckingham spoke of many things happening at the GLO.    

Thank you, Dr. Buckingham!  You are an interesting and informative speaker, and we wish you much success!

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 November 14, 2024, at 11 a.m.  The speaker will be Colonel Rhett Blackmon of the U.S. Army Corps Engineers (USACE)- Galveston District.  We hope to see you there!  Please check out the website, if you would like to learn more.  November 2024 Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau (txgulf.org).

If you need help with planning your next 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! 

The Port of Brownsville announced they have attained a TxDOT loan for Phase 2 of the BIH Project!

Happy Wednesday!

At this point, you know we like to stay on top of the happenings at the Ports in Texas.  In 2023, the Port of Brownsville was in our blog couple times for receiving good news for example when the Texas 88^th Legislature awarded them money from the Maritime Infrastructure Program, or them greenlighting Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Corporation to deepen their ship channel by ten feet.  In addition, we spoke on the Vessel Suitability and Feasibility Project which received federal money back in the April.  We are proud to announce more money is coming to this growing port.    

Did anyone receive the Port of Brownsville’s Port Matters Newsletter on October 7, 2024, “Port of Brownsville Secures Loan for BIH Project”?  The Port of Brownsville announced they have attained a low interest loan for $43 million from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in September for its Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project.  The Texas Transportation Commission had a scheduled meeting September 26^th, 2024, and on its agenda was to ratify an application for a $43 million Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund (SCIRF) loan for Port of Brownsville.  The loan is from legislation ratified and signed by Governor Abbott in 2023.  The loan will be the Ports’ portion of Phase 2.  Their partners, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) having already successfully attained $68 million for their portion, and the project will be deepening the waterway from the turning basin to Rio Grande LNG’s location.  USACE has decided to give the contract of Phase 2 to Callan Marine LTD with the work to begin this month and the project is likely to be finished by mid-2026.  Phase 1 was solely paid for by NextDecade who deepened the waterway from its mouth to their western boundary of their subsidiary, Rio Grande LNG, in addition they will be building two ship berths and a turning basin for its new facility.  This funding is wonderful news for the Port of Brownsville, and we would like to congratulate them.  If you would like to read more of Port of Brownsville’s Press Release, please click the link: Port of Brownsville Secures Loan for BIH Project – Port of Brownsville.

If you would like help in looking into how to make improvements at your liquids terminal, contact us via email in the blog and check out our ESC's website!

We would like to let you know we will be attending the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Commerce Club Luncheon tomorrow, October 10, 2024.  We hope to see you there!

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

**Disclaimer: Please see the Port of Brownsville’s announcement for specific details. **

High Court rules to allow the EPA’s Methane and Mercury regulations to stand!

Happy Tuesday! 

Well, we blogged about the EPA’s impending Methane Rules, and it made the News again last week. 

Did anyone see The Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on October 5, 2024, they reprinted an article from the Associated Press titled, “Justices leave 2 Biden rules in place – Environmental regulations aimed at reducing methane and mercury are kept by high court”?  In the article, it speaks on how on Friday the U.S. Supreme Court left the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) methane and mercury rules on the books, and there were no dissents.  The Methane Rule turns the heat up on the oil and gas industry in particular current and new oil and gas wells, and the gases which escape by leaks.  The rule requires the company to replace or repair the equipment involved in the leak and to inspect regularly or a Methane Fee will be imposed on the company (See our Blog in December 2023 for details.).   The EPA rules will phase out flaring which is a standard practice to rid of natural gas from wells.  The two rules will have implications on the oil and gas industry no matter the size of the company! 

The high court ruled on another EPA regulation which involved mercury and other unsafe emissions from power plants which may cause problems to the public’s health; they allowed the rule to go into effect.   The high court still has to rule on a third EPA rule regarding greenhouse gases from coal-fired power plants.  We hope these new rules help improve the public’s health and help us attain our goals of reducing greenhouse gases!  If we hear anything else on these topics, we will surely post any new pertinent information.  If you would like to read more of Associated Press’ article for free on Microsoft Start, please click the link: Supreme Court leaves in place two Biden environmental regulations (msn.com).

If you would like to see some suggested equipment from the EPA to reduce emissions, please click the link: Methane Mitigation Technologies Platform | US EPA.

If you would like help in looking into how to clean up your emissions and pollutants in your terminal or pipeline to comply with the new rules or see what’s beneath your feet to help your emissions, 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 Associated Press’ article. **

1PointFive’s has two more CCS project getting federal grants!

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

We love articles which tie to our previous Blogs.  We blogged about Oxy’s subsidiary 1PointFive and its work in East Texas “Bluebonnet” and West Texas “Stratos” back in the Spring of 2023 and blogged at the end of September on them receiving their first round of federal funding on their South Texas DAC Hub.  Well, 1PointFive is in the news again.

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Daily Update on October 3, 2024, they had an article titled, “Occidental’s 1PointFive awarded DOE funding for sequestration hubs”?  The article is on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise Initiative (CarbonSAFE Initiative) Phase III granted funding for two of Oxy’s low carbon venture, 1PointFive, projects in East Texas “Bluebonnet” and Louisiana “Magnolia.”  The total amount of funding is $36 million which will help with further development of the two projects.  Bluebonnet is located in East Texas in Chambers County, this sequestration hub in near greenhouse gas emitters in the area.  Magnolia is located in Louisiana in Allen Parrish near greenhouse gas emitters in the area.   The two projects have drilled data test wells to gather core rock samples to investigate, if the geologic formations are suitable for large-scale carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration and these activities were completed back at the end of 2022.  The hubs will have to attain Class VI Well permits which they are in the process of doing.  This federal funding will help advance the projects with various activities including permitting and government certificates.  We wish them luck moving their projects forward and we will let you know, if we hear anything else!  If you would like more information on this article from Oil and Gas Journal, please click the links: Occidental’s 1PointFive awarded DOE funding for sequestration hubs | Oil & Gas Journal (ogj.com).

Don’t forget to check out our ESC's website or contact us via the email in the blog, if you have a hydrocarbon liquids project you would like to see get off the ground or you would like to see what’s under your feet to help with your emissions!

We hope you have a great week!

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

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

Happy Friday!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly Reports for the beginning of October 2024, all are now available from the EIA website.

See what happened in the Petroleum Marketing Monthly by clicking the link: Petroleum Marketing Monthly (PMM) - October 2024 With Data for July 2024 (eia.gov).

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

See how crude moved in the Monthly U.S. Movement of Crude Oil by Rail by clicking the link: U.S. Movements of Crude Oil by Rail (eia.gov).

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 Monthly Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production by clicking the link: EIA-914 monthly production report.

See what happened in the Natural Gas Monthly by clicking the link: Natural Gas Monthly (NGM) - Energy Information Administration - September 2024 WithData for July 2024 (eia.gov).

See what happened in the Monthly Biofuels Capacity and Feedstocks Update by clicking the link: Monthly Biofuels Capacity and Feedstocks Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

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

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!

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

See you next week for another week of the ESC News Blog!  Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend! 

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

 Happy Friday! 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, and Natural Gas for the week ending October 4, 2024, are all now available from the EIA website. 

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

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 this week in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, by clicking the link: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what else happened this week in Natural Gas Weekly Update by clicking the link: Natural Gas Weekly Update (eia.gov).

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

See what happened this week on the Weekly Natural Gas Dashboard by clicking the link: Natural Gas Storage Dashboard (eia.gov).

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 are going to a March Band Competition in Baytown, Texas tomorrow to support our Lamar Texans’ Marching Band, and going to root for our football team in this evening!  Wish our Lamar Texans luck!

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend! 

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

 

BP’s Kaskida Offshore hub will have Enbridge to thank for getting its oil and gas to market!

Happy Thursday!

Did anyone happen to read Microsoft Start on October 3, 2024, they republished an article from Seeking Alpha titled, “Enbridge to build $700M pipeline project to service BP’s Kaskida oil hub”?  The article is on an announcement Enbridge made on October 3, 2024, on how they were going to develop and manage subsea pipelines of their own which will connect BP’s Kaskida offshore platform to their crude oil and natural gas assets which are in the Gulf of Mexico offshore from Louisiana.  The proposed subsea Canyon Oil Pipeline System (“Canyon Oil”) will be able to handle 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil, and the line will start in Keathley Canyon where BP’s platform is stationed and it will connect with Shell’s (Shell Pipeline Company LP) Green Canyon 19 platform, and then from there will end in Louisiana.  The proposed subsea natural gas pipeline gathering system called “Canyon Gas” will be able to handle 125M cubic feet per day, and it will join in the Enbridge’s current Magnolia Gas Gathering Pipeline which connects to their Garden Banks Gas Pipeline.  The projects are expected to start development in early 2025 with the completion expected in 2029, and the price of the CAPEX is $700M.  We wish Enbridge luck on their current projects.  If you would like to read more of the Seeking Alpha’s article in Microsoft Start, please click the link: Enbridge to build $700M pipeline project to service BP's Kaskida oil hub (msn.com).

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

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

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read Microsoft Start article. **

Chevron and Solar Turbines have had a successful run in their pilot program using a high-hydrogen blend on an adapted gas turbine!

Happy Wednesday!   

Did anyone receive the Chevron Corporation Newsletter on September 30, 2024, their article titled, “Gas turbine produces lower carbon power”?  The article is in regard to a joint project between Chevron and Solar Turbines, a division of Caterpillar to power an adapted SoLoNOx gas turbine with a high-hydrogen blend which Chevron successfully tested back in May at their facility in California.  A SoLoNOx gas turbine makes lower nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions for fixed energy production and this model was adapted to use a hydrogen blend instead of only natural gas.  The test on the turbine is to show how blended hydrogen fuels may be the answer to run a turbine around the clock at the same time as lowering carbon emissions.  The special SoLoNOx gas turbine used a 60% hydrogen blend which makes the pilot test a first on its road to show how to help hard-to-abate industrial sectors may be able to reduce their emissions.  The next phase of the project will be to run the turbine constantly for 6 months with different high hydrogen blends.  We wish the project luck with their next demonstration!  If you would like to read more of the article from Chevron Corporation, please click the link: Lower carbon gas turbine first to hit major milestone — Chevron.

 

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your liquid product from your terminal and reduce your emissions to spearhead your company’s goal of becoming carbon neutral, contact us via the email in the blog and check out our ESC's website!

We hope you have a great and productive week!  

**Disclaimer –There may be a fee to read the Chevron Corporation article. **