Upstream oil and gas companies have reduced methane emissions in the Permian Basin.

Happy Thursday!

In past Blogs, we spoke on the changes which were happening in Permian Basin; check out our previous Blogs.  Oil and gas companies were starting to pay attention to their leaks and releases of methane by infrared cameras on the ground, from satellites and airplanes.  They invested in new equipment and monitored things with AI.  Well, all their work has finally paid off.   

Did anyone happen to read The Houston Chronicle’s Fuel Fix Newsletter on July 28, 2025, they republished an article from Oil Editor (Midland Reporter-Telegram) titled, “Permian Basin methane emissions drop over 50% as new tech take hold”?  In the article, it speaks on how an analysis on Permian upstream methane was released from S&P Global Commodity Insights, and they found oil and gas companies in the Permian Basin have made major strides in reducing methane from 2022 to 2024 by around 50%.  The assessment found in 2024 alone the absolute annual methane emission reduced by 21.3 billion cubic feet (bcf) or 22% reduction from 2023.  The assessment accredits the improvement to companies investing in equipment, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), better strategies in the field, and the technological improvements.  Many oil and gas companies in the region have invested in policing themselves with the use of site sensors as well as using satellites and airplanes/drones and they utilize AI to evaluate the data to find the leaks in doing so are catching leaks sooner by repairing and upgrading equipment.  This is good news for the communities who live in the region.  If you would like to read more of the article reprinted from Oil Editor from MSN for free, please click the link: Permian Basin methane emissions drop over 50% as new tech takes hold.

If you would like help in looking into how to upgrade your equipment to reduce your emissions at your facility or just find out what is underneath your feet to help with your emission reduction goals, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening!

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

 

U.S. BOEM withdrawing more than 3.5 million acres of offshore WEA designations from areas on the U.S. OCS!

Happy Wednesday

We try to stay on top of the happenings in the energy industry and this News Release from Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) cast a gloomy outlook on the budding offshore wind industry.

Did anyone happen to receive the News Release from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on July 30, 2025, their news release titled, “Note to Stakeholders - BOEM Rescinds Designated Wind Energy Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf”?  In the news release, it speaks about the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) released on July 30, 2025, they will be withdrawing all assigned Wind Energy Areas (WEA) on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).  This decision was made in light of the “Secretary’s Order 3437 – Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign Controlled Energy Sources in Department Decision-Making” and the President’s Executive Order from January 20, 2025 – temporarily withdrawing areas on the OCS from offshore wind leasing as well as current government leasing and permitting practices for wind projects are being reviewed.  The WEA areas which will be affected by this decision include more than 3.5 million acres in various offshore federal waters in the Gulf of America (Mexico), Gulf of Maine, the New York Bight, California, Oregon, and the Central Atlantic.   If we hear anything else interesting from the BOEM, we will let you know.  If you would like to read more of the BOEM’s News Release, please click the link: BOEM Rescinds Designated Wind Energy Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

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

We hope you have a wonderful evening!

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

The current FERC administration has approved some projects in Louisiana and Arizonia as well as will be making changes to their environmental assessments

Happy Tuesday! 

Over the past year we have blogged on FERC’s approvals and their approvals being thrown out by U.S. Courts; please check out our blog for details.  Well, the US. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is in the news. 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update on July 24, 2025, their article titled, “FERC to implement new environmental procedures after Supreme Court ruling”?  The article is on how the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will be applying its own guidelines to the National Energy Policy Act (NEPA) after the US Supreme Court’s ruling which will limit environmental impact assessments/reviews to the individual project, and they will no longer address upstream and downstream consequences.  In recent times, courts have delayed or overturned FERC certificates on projects due to incomplete environmental assessments and told the agency to do supplemental environmental reviews this should be a thing of the past now with these changes.  Hopefully, these changes should help speed up issuing certificates from FERC.

On another note, the article speaks on how the agency approved three projects.   The first project FERC approved was for Black Bayou Gas Storage.  This project requested approval to build and manage a salt dome natural gas storage venture in Louisiana which will have four storage caverns connected by 24-inch OD pipelines and the ability to hold 34.7 bcf who will then connect to interstate pipelines.  The second project FERC approved is for El Paso Natural Gas Co. who requested to build and manage the Haystack Compressor Station.  This project would add another 50,517 dekatherms/day of natural gas to be transported to Arizona.  The last project they approved is a project for Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co.  This project they wanted to make changes to their existing mainline and pipeline supply lateral in Louisiana.  Three more projects FERC approved to help American energy!

Well, the changes to FERC guidelines should help speed the authorization process for projects.  The three FERC approvals should help companies get their product to more customers.  If you would like more details from this article from Oil and Gas Journal, please click the links: FERC to implement new environmental procedures after Supreme Court ruling | Oil & Gas Journal.

We would like to bid farewell to FERC Chairman Mark Christie and thank him for his wisdom and his service.  We hope there is a smooth transition to the incoming Chairman Laura Swett.  Good luck to you both!

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!  

Have a productive week!

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

 

 

 

Approval for the Texas Railroad Commission’s application for authority over Class VI Well Primacy is almost to the finish line!

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

We hope you found a place to keep cool from the hot and humid Houston weather!

We thought you would like to hear an update of the Texas Railroad Commission’s status on their application for receiving authority to permit Class VI Wells in Texas; see our Blog in end of July 2024 for additional background.  Well, the comment period will soon close, and the CCS industry wants the public to chime in. 

Did anyone happen to see the Houston CCS Alliance’s Newsletter on July 28, 2025, they had an announcement titled,” Act Now: Final Week to Support Class VI Primacy in Texas”?  In the article, the announcement on how Texas Railroad Commission’s (RRC) comment period for them to receive authority to permit Class VI Wells in the state closes this Friday.  A website has been setup to allow the public to chime in at Let Texas Manage Texas!  According to the EPA website back in June they tentatively approved Texas’ RRC to approve permits for Class VI Wells, and then they opened a comment period in the Federal Register which ends this week.  If you would like to read more of the announcement, please click the link: Act Now: Less Than Two Weeks Left to Support Texas Class VI Primacy » Houston CCS Alliance.

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

We hope you have a wonderful evening!

**Disclaimer: Please see the Announcement from CCS Alliance for specific details. **

 

 

 

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

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

See what happened in Russia’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 hydrocarbon project!

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

Have a nice and relaxing weekend! 

See you next week for another week of 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 July 25, 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 Coal Markets Report by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/markets/.

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!    

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

It’s unanimous! Battleship Texas has a contract for its forever home!

Happy Thursday! 

We love a follow-up and an update.  Battleship Texas was in the news for an update on its new home back in March 2025, and the Galveston Wharves’ Board approved Pier 15 for Battleship Texas, nonetheless there were a few things which needed to be done prior to the USS Texas moving in.  Well, the centurium was in the news again.

Did anyone happen to read Chron. First Draft Newsletter on July 24, 2025, their article titled, “Battleship Texas’ fate determined by Gulf Coast Officials- Though questions still remain over the 111-year-old warship”?  In the article, it goes on the speak about how the Galveston Wharves’ Board at its regular monthly meeting approved the operating agreement with the Battleship Texas Foundation for the battleship to be berthed at Pier 15.  In its agreement, the Battleship will have a $1 million reserve fund, they will create a severe weather mooring plan/system, and ample insurance in case anything unthinkable happens to protect the community and port.   The severe weather mooring plan will need to include the ship being able to handle 19 feet of floodwaters and winds up to 160 miles per hour, and the plan will have to be accepted by the Port, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the U.S. Coast Guard.  The USS Texas’ new pier has it situated near the almost complete fourth cruise terminal and Pier 10.   The Foundation asked one of the cruise lines, if they may rent some of its unused cargo warehouse for a visitors’ center.  In addition, Pier 15 will need to dredge the space for the ship, and the Port controls the dredging schedule, and it has been reported the dredging of the channel will be at the end of the year or in the beginning of 2026 and the ship hopes it will be included.  USACE will need to permit the ships plans and this should take around 9 months.  We will keep you appraised of anything else we hear.  We wish them much luck moving this decorated battleship to its new home at Pier 15!  If you would like to read more of the Chron. First Draft’s article on MSN for free, please click the link: BattleshipTexas' fate determined by Gulf Coast officials.

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!

We hope you enjoy your evening! 

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read Chron. First Draft article. **

Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Women in Maritime Summer Happy Hour is a place to mix and mingle and learn about the marine industry!

Happy Wednesday!

The Greater Houston Port Bureau’s (GHPB)Women in Maritime Happy Hour is held a few times a year in the evening at different locations around the Houston-Galveston region to give women in the maritime industry a chance to mix and mingle and learn about the industry.  We were told at the last Women in Maritime Happy Hour earlier this year it might be rebranded, since it was a great way to learn about the maritime industry in a more relaxed setting nonetheless, they decided to keep the name and anyone involved in the GHPB community is invited.  

Last night, we went to the GHPB’s Women in Maritime Happy Hour which was held at the new location for the Houston Maritime Center & Museum (HMC&M) on Riverby Drive in Houston.  Ms. Kidd is the new President for the Houston Maritime Center & Museum.   She spoke about how the HMC&M is planned to open in Mid-August! The staff is currently finishing up some of the exhibits and are 85% complete.  The new facility will have audio-visual, interactive displays and short videos to help display the importance of the maritime industry.   The museum will have a special focus on Texas and the importance Texas Ports and Coastline have made to the Texas community.  HMC&M is in a lovely building with a beautiful view of Buffalo Bayou which is in the Greater East End District.  The Museum has special events and programs throughout the month, so check them out.  We appreciate Ms. Kidd speaking to us and we wish the Museum a successful opening day at their new location. 

Remember to keep an eye open for the Grand Opening of the Houston Maritime Center & Museum in August it should be a fun time! 

GHPB’s Women in Maritime Happy Hour is a great opportunity to network and learn about the maritime industry afterhours, thus we will try to keep you informed on this important event.  Until then the next GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon is September 11, 2025, at 11 a.m.  The guest speaker at the next luncheon is USCG Sector Commander, Sector Houston-Galveston Nicole Rodriguez.  Captain Rodriguez should give us a good talk on things involving the Houston-Galveston region.  Please check out the website, if you would like to learn more.  September 2025 GHPB Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau.

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

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

 

Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Women in Maritime Summer Happy Hour is this evening!

Happy Tuesday!  Hope you have a place to keep cool during this extra hot spell.

We hope you reserved your place for this Sold-Out Event for the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Women in Maritime Happy Hour at the Houston Maritime Center & Museum which is this evening from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.

We are looking forward to Guest Speaker, Margaret Kidd, President, Houston Maritime Center & Museum.  Ms. Kidd should be speaking about the maritime industry as well as the new home of the Houston Maritime Center Museum.  If you would like more details, please click the link: Women in Maritime Happy Hour with Margaret Kidd - 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!  Keep cool!

Natura Resources’ SMR-1 at Abilene Christian University receives state funding to further the scalable nuclear energy project.

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

Sorry we were out of the office last week, nonetheless we are back in the saddle again with more interesting things happening around the Energy and Maritime industries.  Let get stated!

By now you probably realize we like energy as well as updates for our previous blogs.  We blogged about nuclear energy starting to catch on in Texas back last November and we had an update back in May with our Texas Legislature adding to its agenda discussion establishing the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and Advanced Nuclear Innovation Fund well these discussions turned in adopted legislation.  In the same Blog, we updated you on the buzz of a nuclear project at Abilene Christian University (ACU) and Natura Resources and their secondary joint project with Texas Tech University (TTU), and Texas Produced Water Consortium using nuclear energy to power TTU’s produced water desalination system project.   Well, they are in the news again with a little update on their progress!

Did anyone happen to read The Houston Chronicle’s Fuel Fix Newsletter on July 21, 2025, they republished an article from mrt (Midland Reporter-Telegram) titled, “Texas Tech, Abilene Christian receiving funding for produced water research”?  In the article, it speaks on the progress the joint project between Texas Tech University (TTU), Abilene Christian University, Natura Resources and Texas Produced Water Consortium has made acquiring some funding from the state of Texas.   Adopted House Bill 500 included $120 million for funding for TTU to advance the water desalination project, and a sub-appropriation to help with building Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSR -1) at ACU.  The ACU project plans will be powering the TTU’s desalinated water system project with Natura Resource’s MSR-1 which will located at Abilene Christian University.  The funding will help further the building of the MSR-1 which currently has its site prepared and substructure in place.  The goal of the joint project is to show how produced water may have a new cost effective and environmentally friendly purpose after desalination with the use of a clean energy.  Well, it looks like their nuclear energy is progressing well in Texas, and we wish them luck in showing how new clean innovations may help power Texas as well as showing us a use for produced water.  If you would like to read more of the article reprinted from mrt, please click the link: TexasTech, ACU receive funding for produced water research.

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

We hope you have a wonderful evening!

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

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO & Other Reports; they are now available on their website!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO & Densified Biomass Fuel Reports for week ending July 11, 2025, 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 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 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! 

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 July 11, 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 Coal Markets Report by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/markets/.

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!    

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

Learnings from the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon from Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Happy Thursday!  We hope you are enjoying the 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 Geir Eilif Kalhagen, Maritime Director for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).  Mr. Kalhagen was bringing our luncheon an overview on how TxDOT was helping Texas ports and waterways. 

Mr. Kalhagen gave us a talk on the direction the agency has in store for Texas ports and waterways.  With 28% of the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) coming from the ports and waterways of Texas the state has turned its on eyes them, and how they can improve transportation, safety, and economic development on this important sector. TxDOT has realized Texas has 23 seaports and navigation districts which bring in goods from all over the world as well as export goods, and they have a big impact on the Texas economy and the U.S. economy. Mr. Kalhagen spoke of the Port Authority Advisory Committee (PAAC) and how it looks out for the ports and maritime industry and makes recommendations to the Texas Transportation Commission.  PAAC have been working with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism trying to help the Texas ports and waterways.  The Texas Legislature has implemented the PAAC’s Port Mission Plan.  The Port Mission Plan has 3 parts: Seaport Connectivity, Maritime Infrastructure, and Ship Channel.  The Port Mission Plan has influenced our state lawmakers and here are some of the highlights from the 88^TH and 89^th Legislature.  They created a law to help fund port development and infrastructure projects through TxDOT’s Maritime Infrastructure Program (MIP), funding for TxDOT will be coming for state highway and public roadways through the Seaport Connectivity Program to make improvement, and funds will be coming to the Ship Channel Revolving Fund (SCIRF) which currently is funding projects at two Texas ports.  With collaboration with the Governor’s Office, they will be looking to bringing domestic ship building to Texas.  Recently, Galveston Wharves has had a Canadian shipbuilder buy a company along its shores.    

TxDOT will be building on the work it has done in previous years.   They are hoping to make a GIS story map on the ports and waterways of Texas.  They have advised the 90^th Legislature they need funding for waterway sustainability.   In addition, TxDOT will be working on and will be looking into funding for a state-of-the-art identification system, and bathymetric data and digital twin according to Mr. Kalhagen.   TxDOT will continue creating and repairing the ecology in the Gulf’s Intracoastal Waterway with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and one of its successes is the Peirce Marsh Restoration Project.  Three bridges have been brought to the attention to TxDOT for being at possible risk for collisions and they are looking into what can be done to alleviate the risks.   Lastly, they are working on the workforce of the future for maritime.  We wish TxDOT much success in improving safety and implementing the improvements they have for Texas ports and waterways!         

Thank you, Gier Eilif Kalhagen!  You are an interesting and informative speaker, and we are looking forward to seeing what the Maritime Division of TxDOT has in store for the port and waterways of Texas!

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 September 11, 2025, at 11 a.m.  The guest speaker at the next luncheon is Sector Commander Nicole Rodriquez of the Sector Houston-Galveston USCG.  She should give us a good talk on issues affecting the U.S. Coast Guard and the maritime industry.   Captain Rodrigeuz has spoken in the past at GHPB’s Women of Maritime Happy Hour and she gave an informative talk.   Please check out the website, if you would like to learn more or would like to come to the next one; please click the link:  September 2025 GHPB Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau.

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!

GHPB’s Monthly Commerce Club Luncheon – July 9, 2025 at 11 AM.

Happy Wednesday!  Hope you have been able to keep dry with the current weather pattern we have been having!

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, July 9, 2025.  The last we checked earlier today they had a seat available.   

We are looking forward to Guest Speaker, Geir Eilif Kalhagen, TXDOT, Maritime Division Director.  Mr. Kalhagen should be speaking about the maritime industry and what the state is doing to help support and develop Texas Ports and its waterways as well as how it will be supporting the industry with the incoming tariffs and other challenges.  If you would like more details, please click the link: July 2025 GHPB 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! 

The State of Michigan’s court case against Enbridge and its Line 5 Project will be taken up by SCOTUS of ‘Who’s Jurisdiction?’.

Happy Tuesday!  We hope you have been able to keep dry today in spite of all the rain in the area!  

We blogged on Enbridge’s Line 5 and its Great Lakes Tunnel project back in December 2023, when they received the first of many approvals on its way to increasing their capacity.  Then, back in April 2024 Enbridge announced whom they were hiring to build their tunnel once they have received all their permits.  The $500 million project includes a tunnel which runs under the lakebed of the Straits of Mackinac where the waterway connects Lake Michigan to Lake Huron and its approval is hitting many hurdles.  The Mackinac Straights Corridor Authority (MSCA) approved Enbridge’s request for proposal (RPF) for the tunnel earlier in 2024.  Back in February 2025, they received a ruling from the Michigan Appeals Court noting their permit from the Michigan Public Service Commission was ruled valid and all protocols were followed.  Then, in April 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit Office said they would fast track the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and permits. Check out our previous Blogs for more details.  Well, Enbridge is in the news again for a hiccup or an obstacle for its project in question! 

Did anyone see The Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on July 1, 2025, they reprinted an article from the Associated Press titled, “High Court will decide if dispute is a state fight”?   In the article, it speaks on how the at the end of June the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to step in and decide, if Enbridge’s Line 5 Project belongs in state or federal court.  In 2021, Enbridge tried to move its case filed by the State of Michigan to federal court and the three-judge panel from the 6^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled its 30-day Request to Change Jurisdiction was filed too late, nonetheless now the option appears on the table again.  Enbridge argued back then it should be in federal court because of its ties to U.S and Canadian trade as well as there have been exceptions to filing a Request to Change Jurisdiction beyond the 30 days.  Well, we should hear something soon.  We wish them luck pursuing their permits and EIS.  If you would like to read more of Associated Press’ article, please click the link: https://apnews.com/article/enbridge-mackinac-review-pipeline-supreme-court-8e654f98bb21de617a02a31e26a26c5.

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!   

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

Has Venture Global Inc. brought to light a possible snag to the influx of LNG Projects along the Gulf Coast and its waterways!

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog!  We hope you had a little fun over the holiday weekend and had some good hotdogs, burgers, and a little apple pie! Let’s get started!

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Shipping Newsletter on July 7, 2025, their article titled, “Tensions Are Starting to Brew over Waterways for U.S. LNG Cargos”?  In the article, it spoke on a valid point Venture Global Inc. has made in a letter to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on a U.S. waterway and the implications another LNG Plant’s waterway plan will have on the shared channel and its neighbors.  Venture Global’s LNG facility Calcasieu Pass is across from Commonwealth’s planned LNG facility along the same channel as Woodside’s Louisiana LNG and Energy Transfer’s Lake Charles LNG planned in another area of the same channel in Louisiana.  In addition, Venture Global has started to receive its permits on its proposed CP2 LNG facility which will also be constructed near the same channel.  Venture Global has brought to light possible problems with the ever-expanding planned LNG facilities in the area and how will the federal authorities handle the increased traffic.  In addition, Commonwealth’s plan included a request to build a turning basin and what will happen when dredging needs to be done.  How will federal authorities handle all these variables is a valid point brought up in the letter from Venture Global, and we wish federal authorities luck figuring out this puzzle!  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:   Tensions Are Starting to Brew Over Waterways for U.S. LNG Cargoes.

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 for contact information!

We hope you have a wonderful evening!

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

Viceroy, an electric seaglider had another milestone by using its foil-mode at sea!

Happy Thursday!     

Well, we covered this REGENT Craft Inc. in a blog back in March, when the company had a milestone and made history with its sea trials with their electric seaglider which resembles a sea bird.  We have a follow-up to the story. 

Did anyone happen to read the gCaptain Daily Newsletter on June 27, 2025, their article titled, “Viceroy Seaglider Takes Flight -Sort Of- in the First Crewed Foil Test”?  In the article, it spoke on how REGENT Craft Inc. has made an achievement in maritime transportation with their full-size model, a 14-person Viceroy electric seaglider named “Paladin” where they tested their foil-mode at sea. The seaglider is all-electric airborne vehicle which is 55 feet long and has a wingspan of 65 feet, it has a range of 160 nautical miles (approx. 184 miles) on a charge and can travel at speeds up to 180 MPH.  “Paladin” is using an advanced automatic control systems which should allow the seaglider to reach speeds of 50 knots and it was tested for the first time with a crew where they attained transitional speeds in foil mode.  REGENT Craft Inc. is hoping to have a crewed flight later in the Summer once they have attained full foil speeds.   We wish them continued luck and success!  If you would like to read more of the gCaptain’s article, please click the link:   Viceroy Seaglider Takes Flight—Sort Of—in First Crewed Foil Test.

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, and a fun and safe Fourth of July holiday weekend!

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

The BOEM has announced the 60-Day comment period for their Proposed GOA 262 Oil and Gas Lease Sale is now open!

Happy Wednesday! 

We have a follow-up to a Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) and the 10^th National Outer Continental Shelf (OSC) Oil and Gas Leasing Program and a proposed date for the 2025 sale.  It’s finally here!

Did anyone happen to receive the News Release from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on June 25, 2025, their News Release titled, “BOEM Proposes Oil and Gas Lease Sale in the Gulf of America”?  In the release, it speaks how Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) was requested by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior back in April to get acreage and a date for the 2025 lease sale and last week they finally came up with a possible date.   The Proposed Notice of Sale (PNOS) for the 262 Gulf of America (Mexico) Oil and Gas Lease Sale has included nearly 15,000 blocks with various distances and depths from the shoreline of the western, central and eastern Gulf of America (Mexico).  In addition, the BOEM has lowered the royalty rate to less than 17% for this proposed lease sale.  The proposed 262 Gulf of America (Mexico) Oil and Gas Lease Sale will be live streamed via Zoom on December 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. for the accepted lease offers.  The PNOS for the 262 GOA Oil and Gas Lease Sale was published in the Federal Register for its 60-day comment period on June 27, 2025.    We let you know, if we hear anything else from the BOEM.  If you would like to read more of the BOEM’s News Release, please click the link: BOEM Proposes Oil and Gas Lease Sale in the Gulf of America | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

On another note, the Request for Information and Comments (RFI) for the proposed 11^th National Outer Continental Shelf (OSC) Oil and Gas Leasing Program closed in mid-June and the Federal Register received almost ninety-thousand comments.  If we hear anything on this initial phase, we will let you know. 

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

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

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

 

Cheniere Energy will be adding to its footprint at its Corpus Christi LNG Export facility with Bechtel Energy continuing on with development of the project.

Happy Tuesday!

We love a follow-up and good news, so it seemed fitting to speak on another update from Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Corpus Christi facility.  Back in mid-March we blogged about Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Corpus Christi facility and their Stage 3 liquefaction project (CCL Stage 3) the progress it had made at the time.  Well, they are in the news again!

Did anyone happen to read the Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on June 25, 2025, their article titled, “Cheniere plans $2.9B expansion project – S. Texas LNG facility to boost production, add permanent jobs”?  In the article, it goes on to speak on how Cheniere Energy Inc.’s has decided to invest $2.9 billion to increase the size of their Corpus Christi liquefaction facility.  This investment will add two additional natural gas liquefaction plants or trains, and Bechtel Energy Inc. will be undertaking the design and building of the project.  Currently, Bechtel Energy is working on their CCL3 project.  Cheniere Energy’s CCL3 project expects to be finished in late 2026 with all seven trains online.  In addition, Cheniere Energy will be upgrading and repairing equipment to get optimum performance and efficiency which should increase the facilities capacity.  We wish them luck finishing both projects on schedule and on budget.  If you would like to read more of the Houston Chronicle’s article, please click the link: Cheniere Energy approves $2.9B Corpus Christi LNG expansion, adds jobs.

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

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

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