Monday, March 31, 2025

What’s happening in the port sale for the Panama Canal and the 42 other ports?

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

Well, we blogged on the Panama Canal and its ports of Balboa and Christobal back in early March on a monumental moment.  Well, it appears there may be a proverbial, “fly in the ointment” moment happening now!

Did anyone see the gCaptain Daily Newsletter March 29, 2025, they reprinted an article from Reuters titled, “China Halts Panama Port Sale to BlackRock”?  In the article, it speaks on how the international company of CK Hutchingson Holdings who had accepted an offer from the BlackRock group to purchase the controlling interest from Hutchingson Port Holdings and Hutchingson Port Group Holdings who manages 43 ports in 23 countries, including Panama’s ports of Balboa and Christobal, as well as ports in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan, as well as others. The deal has been put on hold!  In recent weeks, China has been vocal in its opposition of the selling of the ports to the BlackRock group which includes BlackRock, Inc. as well as BlackRock ancillary Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited.  The deal needed the approval of Panama, China and the U.S. while the U.S. and Panama appeared to be pleased with the $23 billion deal which was set to be signed April 2, it appears to be on hold for now.  We are in a wait and see moment!  If we hear any other news which effects the Panama Canal or its Ports, we will surely post the information.  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:    China Halts Panama Port Sale to BlackRock.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your terminal and docks, 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 week! 

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

Friday, March 28, 2025

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

Happy Friday!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly Energy Review & Electric Power Monthly Reports by March 28, 2025, they are now available from 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 Electric Power Monthly by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/.

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

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

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend! 

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

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

Happy Friday! 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Natural Gas, and Coal for the week ending March 28, 2025, 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 Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report 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).

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:  Weekly Coal Production by State.

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!  Keep dry!

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

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Learnings from the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon from Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Happy Thursday!  Hope you are keeping dry on this rainy day!

We went to the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s (GHPB) Commerce Club Luncheon at the Houston Marriot South at Hobby Airport today. 

The speaker was Jesse Thompson.  He is a Senior Business Economist at the Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.  We enjoyed his talk!  He had a few good one liners which gave the audience a nice laugh or a big grin! Let’s discuss what was said!

Mr. Thompson gave us a talk on the basics of the Federal Reserve 101, and their Outlook Trends 2025, “The Return of the Trend?”  The business conditions of the last two months is not necessarily a trend nonetheless they are noteworthy events!  Mr. Thompson tried to touch on a bunch of areas from investment and construction to oil and gas and energy to labor markets, wages and immigration, and to real estate.  Mr. Thompson’s broad overview was a lot to take in.  Investment and new construction are currently robust and well supplied with materials and energy.  This well supplied energy market is oil and gas and it is especially influencing to Houston and Texas, and this makes our area especially volatile to its ups and downs.  OPEC has done a good job of not flooding the market which has stabilized prices.  When the sanctions are lifted on Russia and Iran, this will not increase the amount of oil produced it will only increase the value of it for them.  The two countries were drilling the whole time.  American liquified natural gas (LNG) has been in the negative numbers which means we need to export more.  New LNG capacity has been delayed nonetheless we are still on pace.   Oil wells have been better at producing due to improved techniques and current wells are getting longer which has the oil flowing.  Producers can do more with less!  A current survey of the Fed was recently released, and the current prices of barrels of oil is still supportive of upstream or the producers.  In 2024, to break even the average price of oil per barrel had to be approximately $64, currently it needs to be approximately $65. The survey found currently for production, less than $2 a barrel is going to regulatory compliance for legal and administrative costs.   The Fed is expecting U.S. crude oil to slow output growth and in the next two years things will slow down and more layoffs are expected.   The Fed expects more Merger and Acquisitions too.  The oil and gas sector has been affected by the new policies and regulations coming into play which is causing confusion and uncertainty which is not good to us here in Houston and Texas. 

Mr. Thompson spoke a little broader on the overview of the other topics.  There is uncertainty in the markets according to the Fed.  The U.S. GDP looks like it is on course for growth with full employment, nonetheless the risks are rising.  The US has continued progressing towards the 2% inflation nonetheless tariffs are coming.  Tariffs are expected to influence it at least at first nonetheless the markets are expected to stabilize.   Houston/Texas job growth for 2025 is around 1.9% and they are expecting it to maintain.  They do not expect job growth in our area to be influenced by the tariffs.  Consumers have slowed spending and there was a jump in imports hence the first quarter of 2025 numbers have been down.  American exports recently have been slow.  There are signs the labor market will be softening.  Normal wage growth in the U.S. is still elevated and will be slowing nonetheless the Houston/Texas wage growth is still hot.   International migration surged in 2024 which has helped the U.S. especially Texas with population growth, and growth should be in the healthy range.   In Industrial Construction, semiconductors are being heavily invested in, and chemicals are doing well.  In Texas, it is outpacing the rest of the U.S. in big capital projects for semiconductors, warehouses, data centers which are springing up everywhere. Residential real estate has kept a lid on things due to the high interest rates and home value growth has slowed.  In Houston/Texas, the values have been pressured by high rates and new supply, and when adjusted for inflation home values are down.  Office and industrial real estate vacancies are rising and tempering demand.   Well, this is a snapshot of things Mr. Thompson spoke about today!  We hope it encourages you to come to the next Commerce Club Luncheon! 

Mr. Thompson made a request for us to answer the Dallas Federal Reserve's surveys.   Every six weeks, they go over them and it helps with real time answers.   You may check out the Federal Reserve of Dallas’ surveys by clicking the link: Surveys - Dallasfed.org.  

Thank you, Jesse Thompson!  You are an interesting and informative speaker, and we enjoyed the quick macroeconomics lesson on today’s markets! And a few good laughs!

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 April 10, 2025, at 11 a.m.  The guest speaker at the next luncheon is Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director/CEO of Port Freeport.  Ms. Saathoff will be speaking on the happenings of Port Freeport.  Please check out the website, if you would like to learn more; April 2025 Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau.

Next month the GHPB will go back to the second Thursdays of the month for their Commerce Club Luncheons. 

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! Keep dry!

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

GHPB’s Monthly Commerce Club Luncheon – March 27, 2025 at 11 AM.

Happy Wednesday! 

We hope you reserved your place for the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Commerce Club Luncheon at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport tomorrow, Thursday, March 27, 2025.  It is a SOLD-OUT event!  

We are looking forward to Guest Speaker, Jesse Thompson, Senior Business Economist, Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.  Mr. Thompson should be speaking about the trends he is seeing in Houston and Gulf Coast economies especially in reference to oil and gas and maritime industries.  If you would like more details, please click the linkMarch 2025 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!  Hopefully, we won’t get much rain tomorrow!

 

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Executive order reestablishes Alaskan oil and gas lease sales in treasured areas!

Happy Tuesday! It’s a pretty nice day with the sun shining and the blue skies, nonetheless it feels like summer already.  It’s supposed to be 89°, and it was after 5 p.m. and it was that exact temperature.   

We always enjoy a follow-up story, and we did say, if we heard anything else on this Alaskan wonderland!  We blogged about the about Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) having completed their Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and them publishing the Final EIS for the Alaska’s Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) back in December.  We blogged on how the lease sale in January didn’t even get a nibble.  The new administration believes they may have an answer to the dismal response from the January lease sale.   

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on January 24, 2025, their article titled, “DOI, BLM aim to advance oil and gas development in Alaska”?  In the article, it speaks on how U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and its office of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have initiated actions to get things moving for oil and gas in Alaska and the first was to sign official orders from the President and Secretary’s desks.  The orders were both named,” Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential.”  In the orders, they revived the National Petroleum Reserve by opening more of the land which had previously been closed to oil and gas leasing in the 23-million-acre reserve.  The next item was they reestablished the option to allow oil and gas leasing in the 1.56-milion-acre Coastal Plain of the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).  Lastly, they transferred ownership along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor and Dalton Highway north of the Yukon River to the State of Alaska to help move the Ambler Road and the Alaska Liquified Natural Gas Pipeline project forward.  Well, we said we would keep our eyes open on this area of the country, and the changes didn’t disappoint!  Well, we will let you know, if we hear anything else on this American treasure!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   DOI, BLM aim to advance oil and gas development in Alaska | Oil & Gas Journal.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC 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 wonderful evening! 

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

 

Monday, March 24, 2025

Delfin LNG has completed a hurdle by getting MARAD licensing for their deepwater port!

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

On March 11, 2025, we briefly mentioned in our blog on CERAWeek’s opening speaker U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, announced Delfin LNG, LLC was granted an extension for their project for an offshore LNG facility off the coast of Cameron Parish, Louisiana.   Well, Delfin LNG has made the news again. 

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Shipping Newsletter March 24, 2025, their article titled, “First U.S. Offshore LNG Export Terminal Gets Green Light from Maritime Administration”?  In the article, it spoke on how the U. S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has made a milestone and granted an offshore port off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of America (Mexico) its MARAD license.   Delfin LNG, LLC has received its license to build and run a deepwater port to export American LNG.  The offshore port will be in federal waters roughly 43 to 47 miles (37.4 and 40.8 nautical miles) off the coast of Louisiana.  Delfin LNG will need to add little infrastructure ever since they bought the UTOS Pipeline back in 2014.  Delfin LNG is planning on having capability to fill three FLNG vessels.  The brownfield deepwater port is expected to be able to export 13.2 million tonnes of LNG a year.  Delfin LNG started the MARAD application process in May 2015, and they amended their application in the Spring 2024, and many federal and state agencies were involved in the review process.  We wish Delfin LNG much luck and success in the completion of their project.  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:   First U.S. Offshore LNG Export Terminal Gets Green Light from Maritime Administration.

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. **

 

Friday, March 21, 2025

U.S. EIA Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data is now available!

Happy Friday!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data for Mid-March 2025, it is now available from the EIA website.

See what happened in the Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data by clicking the link: U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis.

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

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

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!  Be safe!

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

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

Happy Friday! 

We hope you are enjoying the nice weather we are having lately!  We hope where you are traffic is better; it has been horrible around us lately it seems everyone is going out of town or Sugarland the last couple days!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Natural Gas, and Coal for the week ending March 21, 2025, 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 Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report 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).

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

See what happened last week in Weekly Coal Production by clicking the link:  Weekly Coal Production by State.

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!

It’s the latest few days of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.  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 fun and relaxing weekend!  Take extra time getting places this weekend with the nice weather everyone seems to be getting out!  Be safe!

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

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Venture Global’s CP2 LNG is in the news!

Happy Thursday!  Hope you are enjoying the cool, sunny weather in the area. 

You know we love a follow-up, and we blogged on Venture Global LNG Inc. recently on their Plaquemines LNG plant in Port Sulphur, Louisiana filing with U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a third phase.  Well, Venture Global is in the news again for a different plant. 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on March 19, 2025, their article titled, “US DOE grants export approval to Venture Global’s CP2 LNG”?  In the article, it speaks on Venture Global LNG Inc. and their 3rd LNG Plant in Louisiana called CP2 LNG plant in Cameron Parish will be able to check another box off their authorizations or permits needed for the project.   On March 19, Venture Global’s CP2 received their export authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to ship to non-FTA or non-Free Trade Agreement countries.  While they have been awaiting their authorizations and permits Venture Global has been busy developing this asset. Earlier this month Venture Global announced their yearly and quarterly financial results, and in the results CP2 LNG has cost $4 billion by the end of 2024, and they are in the final investment decision (FID) phase.   CP2 LNG has contracts with ExxonMobil, Chevron, Jera, New Fortress Energy, as well as others currently.  Venture Global’s CP2 has started offsite fabrication.  We wish Venture Global LNG Inc. luck developing and completing CP2.  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   US DOE grants export approval to Venture Global’s CP2 LNG | 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!

Well, the Houston Livestock and Rodeo have a few more days.  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: You may be charged a fee to read The Oil and Gas Journal’s article. **

 

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

A key Mississippi River sea port is sporting a new name!

Happy Wednesday!     

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Daily Newsletter on March 19, 2025, their article titled, “Louisiana’s Plaquemines Port Rebrands as Gateway Port Amid Major Container Terminal Expansion”?  In the article, it spoke on how a Louisiana port near the Gulf of America (Mexico) and on the Mississippi River has changed their name to Louisiana Gateway Port!  Louisiana Gateway Port or what was formerly known as the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District is making the shift as part of their growth strategy with their partner APM Terminals.  APM Terminals is A.P. Moller-Maersk division which is in charge moving and storing various types of cargo at the terminal.   APM Terminals will be modernizing their terminal on the west bank of the river, and they will spend $500 million, so they will be able to handle larger vessels.  This planned expansion fits into the plans of Louisiana Gateway Port as the capitalize on their 50 feet depth and the larger ships coming to America.  We wish Louisiana Gateway Port and their partners luck in their expansion!  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:   Louisiana's Plaquemines Port Rebrands as Gateway Port Amid Major Container Terminal Expansion.

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. **

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

An electric seaglider is making history in Rhode Island!

Happy Tuesday!     

We enjoy some imaginative engineering, and we came upon this real-life story!  The design resembles a sea bird.  

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Daily Newsletter on March 13, 2025, their article titled, “REGENT Unveils world’s First Full-Scale Electric SeaGlider, Begins Historic Sea Trials”?  In the article, it spoke on how REGENT Craft, Inc. has made an achievement in maritime transportation with their full-size model, a 12-passenger Viceroy electric seaglider named “Paladin.” The seaglider is 55 feet long and has a wingspan of 65 feet, it has a range of 180 miles and can travel at speeds up to 180 MPH and it’s an all-electric airborne vehicle.  The seaglider will revolutionize coastal travel; it is buoyant so it floats, it can ride the waves on its hydrofoils, and it can fly just above the water like a water bird reducing drag and helping with its efficiency.   As of this month they have begun sea trials in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island where they have had test passengers as well as testing the various components and software.  They were given U.S. Coast Guard consent for its Navigational Safety Risk Assessment in August of 2024.  The Viceroy seaglider in the summer of 2022 received its Approval in Principle (AiP) from the classification society Bureau Veritas.  REGENT’s concept has had a welcoming response worldwide and they have had over $9 billion in orders.  REGENT has begun construction of its 255,000-square-foot manufacturing plant which is located in Narragansett Bay, and they are expecting to be running next year.   We wish them luck!  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:   REGENT Unveils World's First Full-Scale Electric Seaglider, Begins Historic Sea Trials.

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. **

 

Monday, March 17, 2025

A Corpus Christi Bay plant has assumed control of Train 1 while engineering and construction continues onto the next phase of the project.

☘Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog!  We hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend! 

Happy St. Patty’s Day!  I toast to you on this happiest of occasions and say, “May the winds of fortune sail you, may your troubles be less, and your blessings be more.” Cheers! ☘

Well, it seemed like a good idea to let you know some good news and an update on a blog we posted back in early January on the status of Cheniere’s Corpus Christi Stage 3 plant.    

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on March 17, 2025, their article titled, “Cheniere’s reaches substantial completion at CCL Stage 3 Train 1”?  In the article, it speaks on Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Corpus Christi Stage 3 liquefaction project (CCL Stage 3) has reached a milestone on their Train 1, and they have assumed control and operations from Bechtel Energy Inc.  Bechtel Energy has finished the start-up and construction of Train 1 and transitioned to the next phase of the project.  In February 2025, Train 1 successfully exported its first shipment.   Bechtel Energy will continue engineering and construction of the other trains of the CCL Stage 3 project and completion is expected in the latter half of 2026.  Once completed, CCL Stage 3 project will have seven liquefaction units, boosting the plant’s output to over 25 million tons of LNG annually.  We wish them luck finishing the project on schedule and on budget.  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Cheniere reaches substantial completion at CCL Stage 3 Train 1 | 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!

Again Happy St. Patty’s Day!  We hope you have a fun and safe evening!

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

Friday, March 14, 2025

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 March 14, 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! 

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

Happy Friday!  We hope you are enjoying the nice weather we have today!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Natural Gas, and Coal for the week ending March 14, 2025, 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 Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report 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).

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

See what happened last week in Weekly Coal Production by clicking the link:  Weekly Coal Production by State.

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!

It’s Day 11 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.  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 fun and relaxing weekend!  

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

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Geothermal CAES may be a possible use of orphan or depleted oil and gas wells!

Happy Thursday!

Last December we blogged on how they were testing the use Artificial Intelligent to find unknown orphan wells as a way to help with this ongoing problem.  Orphan wells will cost Texas alone millions to plug them according to the News.  Well, it appears there may be something to do with orphan wells besides plug them which may help us, and it may help stabilize the grid, too!

Did anyone happen to read MSN on March 13, 2025, they had an article from Tech Xplore titled, “Reusing old oil and gas wells may offer green energy storage solutions”?  In the article, it speaks on how a study by Penn State has been released and published in the Journal of Energy Storage on how using old spent oil and gas wells may be a solution on how to store excess renewable energy according to simulations and modelling the researchers conducted.  The researchers suggested using geothermal compressed-air energy storage systems (CAES) on appropriate orphan wells should help reduce the costs and make use of these public nuances and health hazards.  CAES facilities pump air underground when electricity is cheap and demand is low then when the power is needed, they flip a switch and energy is added back to the grid at a premium price.  There is one problem with the CAES is the drilling of the well is cost prohibitive, nonetheless using exhausted or orphan wells would bring the costs down to earth.  Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency believes there are about 3.9 million orphan wells in the U.S.   If companies use existing wells with certain permeameters, this should reduce start-up costs and make the technology more competitive.   Geothermal CAES would help make the grid more sustainable and profitable as well as help reduce greenhouse gases.  If you would like to read more of the article from Tech Xplore published on MSN, please click the link:   Reusing old oil and gas wells may offer green energy storage solution .

How can we help you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions on your liquid petroleum product transportation system? We can help update your emission controls or look to see what is under your feet to help lower your emissions, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

It is Day 10 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, so please check their website for daily activities and information.

We hope you have a wonderful evening!

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

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Two companies have joined forces to bring groundbreaking innovation to a Wyoming Carbon Capture and Storage project!

Happy Wednesday!   

We mentioned in a couple of our Blogs in 2023 Wyoming and North Dakota had received their authority to approve their own carbon capture projects.   In 2024 and early 2025, Louisiana and West Virginia were added to the list of states with the authority to approve CCS projects and Class VI wells.  Well, we finally read on someone getting one of those permits. 

Did anyone happen to read Tank Storage News America Weekly Newsletter on March 7, 2025, their article titled, “Baker Hughes & Frontier partner on U.S. carbon capture, data centers”?   In the article, it speaks on how Baker Hughes and Frontier Infrastructure have teamed up to innovate a large carbon capture and storage (CCS) and power solutions technology venture.  The collaboration will have Baker Hughes taking the lead with the equipment for carbon dioxide (CO2) compression, monitoring and energy production as well as help with well design to make a commercial scale CCS and energy production venture.  Frontier will handle the infrastructure starting with their Sweetwater Carbon Storage Hub.  Frontier’s project is a massive CCS hub which will cover almost 100,000 acres in Wyoming and will be supplied by a CO2-by-rail approach with the supply coming from sources in the Midwest.  Currently, Frontier holds several of Wyoming’s Class VI well permits and approvals, and they have started working on their first injection well and are expecting to deposit CO2 by end of this year.  In addition, Frontier is planning on adding to their energy structure a 256 megawatts gas-fired power plant which will use Baker Hughes’ NovaLT™ gas turbines.  We wish the CCS project much luck reducing emissions in the Midwest and adding electricity to the region’s power grid.  If you would like to read more of Tank Storage News America Weekly Newsletter’s article, please click the link: Baker Hughes & Frontier partner on U.S. carbon capture, data centers - 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!

It is Day 9 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, so please check their website for daily activities and information.

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. **

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

CERAWeek in Houston is underway and the Honorable Chris Wright was one of the first speakers with the message we need more oil and gas infrastructure!

Happy Tuesday! 

Well, it is that time of year in Houston when the oil and gas big wigs, political figures, and anyone having to do with energy from around the world get together for the S&P Global’s CERAWeek aka the “Super Bowl of Energy.”  This conference has a bit on everything for those in the Energy sector and a steep price to attend!  It does give us a chance to hear what may be instore for the future of energy!

Did anyone happen to read Front Page Section of The Houston Chronicle on March 11, 2025, their article titled, “Gulf Coast gas, AI top CERAWeek opening”?  In the article, the CERAWeek conference starts right out of the gate with a headliner, Chris Wright, the new U.S. Secretary to the Department of Energy (DOE).  The Honorable Chris Wright spoke on our new administration’s goal of energy dominance or “Drill, baby, drill!” and the plans of diving deeper into fossil fuels especially natural gas.  Sec. Wright spoke of the much-needed expansion of its foundation meaning pipelines and LNG plants to get our natural gas to the world.  He gave a vastly different message than his predecessor Sec. Granholm who wanted the sector to embrace renewable energy at last year’s CERAWeek to slow climate change.  Sec. Wright believes we should embrace all types of energy due to the amount which will be needed to fuel the Artificial Intelligence (AI) race, nonetheless he has a poor view of solar and wind.  Sec. Wright made a few announcements on accomplishments his office has already made which include approving a few LNG projects.  The latest project being the Delfin LNG which is an offshore facility off the coast of Louisiana they were requesting an extension for their project!  His office in the last month has approved an extension for Golden Pass LNG, approved using LNG as a bunkering fuel, and has approved the export license for the Commonwealth LNG.  We wish the DOE’s office luck getting the infrastructure for more energy projects approved!  If you would like to read more of the Houston Chronicle’s article, please click the link: Energy Sec. Chris Wright outlines natural gas plan in Houston.

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 or our ESC website!

It is Day 8 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, so please check their website for daily activities and information.

We hope you enjoy your evening! 

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

 

Monday, March 10, 2025

Venture Global LNG Inc. has filed with FERC to expand their Plaquemines LNG plant.

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

You know we love a follow-up, and we blogged on Venture Global LNG Inc. at the end of 2024 on how they were starting up their Plaquemines LNG plant in Port Sulphur, Louisiana.  They then loaded their first export of LNG on their Venture Bayou LNG tanker which headed to Germany.  Well, Venture Global is in the news again. 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on March 6, 2025, their article titled, “Venture Global starts preparing third phase of Plaquemine”?  In the article, it speaks on Venture Global LNG Inc. who has filed with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a third phase of their Plaquemines LNG plant which will increase their size by another 24 liquefaction trains and 18 million tonnes/ year. The article went on the discuss what their leadership expects in the future according to their recent call.  They believe the addition of Phase 3 will allow them to be adaptable with the fluctuation of the liquid natural gas market, and their final investment decision for the project will be in the summer of 2027.  Venture Global LNG’s Phase 3 estimated price is $18 billion, and the project will take a year and a half to two years to complete.  Venture Global LNG informed the current price of the first two phases of Plaquemines LNG plant as $19.8 billion and upon completion the price tag will increase another $3.5 to $4 billion.  Plaquemines LNG facility is expected to load between 219 to 239 vessels in 2025.  Venture Global LNG mentioned they are expecting their Calcasieu plant to export over 140 vessels, and the facility will be fully operational next month.  We wish Venture Global LNG Inc. luck in their completion of their plants.  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Venture Global starts preparing third phase of Plaquemines LNG plant | 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!

It’s Day 7 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.  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: You may be charged a fee to read The Oil and Gas Journal’s article. **

 

Friday, March 7, 2025

U.S. EIA Monthly Reports for Petroleum Marketing Monthly, Densified Biomass Fuel, and Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data are now available!

Happy Friday!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their monthly reports for Petroleum Marketing, Densified Biomass Fuel, and Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data for March 2025, are now available on the EIA website.

See what happened in the Petroleum Marketing Monthly by clicking the link: Petroleum Marketing Monthly (PMM) - March 2025 With Data for December 2024.

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 Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/electricity/wholesale/.

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

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

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!  Be safe! 

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

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

Happy Friday!  We hope you are enjoying the nice weather we have today!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Natural Gas, and Coal for the week ending March 7, 2025, 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 Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report 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).

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

See what happened last week in Weekly Coal Production by clicking the link:  Weekly Coal Production by State.

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!

It’s Day 4 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.  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 fun and relaxing weekend!  

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

  

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Panama’s Ports of Balboa and Christobal may have new management!

Happy Thursday!    

Well, we blogged on Monday on the Panama Canal Authority and how they announced the Rio Indio Basin Project or Resolution No. ACP-JD-RM-25-1542.  Well, Panama’s canal and its ports were in the news for a big change which will be coming soon.

Did anyone see The Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on March 5, 2025, they reprinted an article from the Associated Press titled, “BlackRock Strikes Panama Canal deal giving U.S. control”?  In the article, it speaks on how the international company of CK Hutchingson Holdings has accepted an offer from the BlackRock group to purchase the controlling interest from Hutchingson Port Holdings and Hutchingson Port Group Holdings who manages 43 ports in 23 countries, including Panama’s ports of Balboa and Christobal, as well as ports in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan, and so on.  The BlackRock group includes BlackRock, Inc as well as BlackRock ancillary Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited.  The BlackRock group will pay almost $23 billion and $5 billion in debt for the control over 43 ports. The deal will need the consent from Panamanian government.  Hutchingson Ports had been given a no-bid extension contract for a 25-years to manage the ports, nonetheless the contract was being reviewed since the accusations from the U.S.   If we hear any other news which effects the Panama Canal or its Ports, we will surely post the information.  If you would like to read more of Associated Press’ article for free on msn, please click the link: BlackRock strikes deal to bring ports on both sides of Panama Canal under Americancontrol.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your terminal and docks, contact us via email in the Blog and check out ESC's website for contact information!

It’s Day 3 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.  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 and a great week! 

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the Associated Press’ article. **

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

It’s unanimous! Battleship Texas has officially found its forever home!

Happy Wednesday! 

We love a follow-up and an update.  Battleship Texas was in the news for an update on its new home, and the Galveston Wharves’ three-member Battleship Texas Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendation went to the Board this week.

Did anyone happen to read Chron. Gulf Coast’s Newsletter on March 4, 2025, their article titled, “Galveston Wharves board decides final home for Battleship Texas”?  In the article, it goes on the speak about how the Galveston Wharves’ three-member Battleship Texas Ad Hoc Committee brought their recommendation of Pier 15 to the full Galveston Wharves Board on Wednesday, and they agreed for Pier 15 to become the final resting place for the USS Texas aka Battleship Texas.  Pier 15 is near the newest cruise terminal which is expected to be completed in November.  While Battleship Texas is completing its repairs and renovations the Battleship Texas Foundation will be wrapping up its contract with Galveston Wharves, a few other things need to be completed prior to the USS Texas moving including a marine and traffic evaluation, an environmental endorsement as well as a strategy and completion of deepening the final resting place before it will be moved to Pier 15, nonetheless they are expecting the ship will be open to the public by the end of the year.  The USS Texas’ repairs and renovations have exceeded the amount the state set aside of $35 million and with additional government and private contributions it has increased to $40 million.  We will keep you apprised of anything else we hear.  We wish them much luck moving this decorated battleship to its new home of Pier 15!  If you would like to read more of the Chron. Gulf Coast’s article, please click the link: Battleship Texas finally finds new home after years of contentious debate.

The Battleships Texas Foundation has more information on the status of this great ship, so please check their website for further details.  If you would like to help with donations for this wonderful project, please check out their website by clicking the link: Battleship Texas Foundation.

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 or our ESC website!

Don’t forget it is Day 2 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, so please check their website for daily activities and information.

We hope you enjoy your evening! 

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

 

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

The EPA’s Methane Waste Emissions Charge will now be a distant memory!

Happy Tuesday!    

Well, we love a follow-up nonetheless this isn’t the ending we expected for the EPA’s Waste Emission Charge (WEC), please see our Blog in January 2024 for what might have been. 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on March 4, 2025, their article titled, “Congress kills Biden-era methane fee”?  In the article, it goes on speak on how the GOP-ruled Congress voted to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) last week and it has been sent to the oval office for the President’s signature.  WEC was one step of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program which is part of the Inflation Reduction Act which was adopted by Congress in 2022.  WEC was aimed at reducing methane pollution which encouraged oil and natural gas companies to reduce their methane emissions to below 25,000 tonnes per year (TPY) or pay a fee of $900 per metric ton for anything over starting in 2024 and would’ve increased by $300 in 2025 and again in 2026 and so on.  The fee was a way to nudge the industry to ratify best practices to lower emissions instead of paying the fee.  Well, many of the big oil and gas companies have implemented emission reduction strategies and they began policing themselves (See our Blog in March 2024 for details), so the fee would not have applied to them.  The threat of the WEC fee seemed to spark the oil and gas industry to make changes and many oil and gas companies implemented emission reduction strategies and/or applied standards to their respective company.  Well, let’s hope in spite of the WEC going away we don’t lose the momentum to clean up methane emissions.  Communities around the oil and gas industry deserve better air quality!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Congress kills Biden-era methane fee | Oil & Gas Journal.

If you would like help in looking into how to reduce your methane emissions with emission controls and/or help with adopting best practices, contact us via email in the Blog or ESC's website!

It’s the opening day of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.  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 andRodeo Website.

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

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

 

Monday, March 3, 2025

The Panama Canal has earmarked funding for their reservoir project!

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

Well, you know we love an update and last February the Panama Canal Authority announced they were planning on spending $8.5 billion for their capital investment budget over five years to aid in their net-zero goals by 2050 and help with the sustainability of this important waterway.  (Please see our Blog last February for details.)  Well, looks like they found a first step in a plan for keeping the country’s population and the waterway drought resistant.   

Did anyone happen to read gCaptain Daily Newsletter on February 28, 2025, their article titled, “Panama Canal Advances Rio Indio Reservoir Project to Secure Water Supply After Historic Drought”?  The article speaks in regard to the Panama Canal Authority’s recent announcement they have officially earmarked money for the building of a new reservoir in the Rio Indio Basin or Resolution No. ACP-JD-RM-25-1542.  The Rio Indio Basin project is a major part of their Water Projects Program which was brought about because of the 2023 -2024 drought which effected the region and slowed the transits thru this important waterway and the communities around the canal.  The Panama Canal Authority anticipates the project will take six years to completion.  They will be relocating families which lived in the region for generations away to other areas and will be financially compensating them and other affected landowners in the region for their property.  Last August there was a survey started which is collecting information on the community members in the area and it is expected to wrap up by the end of April 2025.  The Panama Canal Authority has been trying to involve the community by having meetings and opening community relations offices in the affected regions.  Well, this sounds like a huge undertaking!  We wish them luck in making this important waterway draught resistant!  If you would like to read more of gCaptain’s article, please click the link: Panama Canal Advances Rio Indio Reservoir Project to Secure Water Supply After Historic Drought.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your terminal and docks, 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. **